Updates
Student Registration is now open until January 31, 2025.
Call for Mentors - We’re looking for mentors to support students in their systems thinking journey. Mentors can include experts in research, design, and systems thinking, as well as past participants. Interested? Contact Nicole Darnayla at idarn171@mtroyal.ca for more information and to share your availability. Help shape the next generation of changemakers by offering your time and expertise!
What is Map The System?
This competition is for MRU student changemakers (students in any program, with a passion for social or environmental issues) by taking a system-thinking approach and showcasing research on a national and global stage.
The program runs yearly during Winter semesters (January to April)
1
Research any topic of interest
Including but not limited to social, environmental, cultural and economic or related to 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
2
Learn and apply system thinking skills
Receiving support from the institute’s team, alumni, and other faculty with developing system-approach research, writing, and presentation.
3
Get a chance to showcase your research nationally and globally.
Timeline
| November 1, 2024 | Student Registration Opens |
Students must apply by January 31, 2025. |
| February - March, 2025 | Competition progress |
You and your team will progress through primary and secondary research, creating visual system maps in the process. You can access supports: (1) Systems thinking workshops, (2) Mentor matching, and (3) Per-request support from educators (scroll down to find more details of available support). |
| April TBD, 2025 | Final Submission Deadline |
By 11:59 pm EST, all teams must submit their completed Map the System projects, including a visual systems map(s), research analysis and detailed bibliography. Refer to the Submission Guidelines. |
| April TBD, 2025 | MRU Campus Final |
The top 5 submissions selected by judges will get to compete at the campus final to be the campus finalist, representing MRU to compete with other participating institutions in the Semi-Final. |
| May TDB, 2025 | Canadian Semi-final and Final |
All campus teams will get to compete at a Semi-Final for a chance to be within the top 6 at the Canadian Final. View Canadian Final 2024. |
| June TDB, 2025 | Global Finals |
If the MRU campus finalist qualifies as one of the top Canadian teams, you will travel to Oxford to compete with students from around the world. |
How to Join
1. Check the eligibility:
All MRU students and recent graduates from any discipline can join with the conditions as follows:
- You can apply as an individual OR with a team of up to six people.
- If applying in teams, at least one member must be a current MRU student or recent graduate.
- If you are a recent graduate, you must have completed your studies within 12 months of the registration date.
- You register by January 31st, 2024.
2. Consider these key aspects:
During registration, a topic submission is required. However, it can be preliminary, merely reflecting your area of interest. You can change the topic later as you progress through the competition.
Learn more about the Systems Reset Themes to develop your projects as well as past competitions at mapthesystem.ca/take-part
On average a good Map the System submission takes 80 hours to complete, so approximately 6-7 hours per week.
You and/or your team will progress through
- Secondary research about factors influencing your issues of interests
- Primary research (mainly interviewing professionals or practitioners)
- Creating visual system maps in the process
- Secondary research about existing solutions and gaps
- Identifying leverage points
- Reflecting on the lessons you learned from the process. E.g. Your personal growth, your experiences, etc. Refer to the submission guidelines
For additional resources and success tips, visit the Map the System Canada website for resources and tips for success.
3. Want to learn and explore more:
Attend info sessions and social events and book an appointment with the campus lead. Stay tuned for more details below!
4. Fill out the Registration Form:
Registration is now open until January 31, 2025. If you have questions, please reach out to the campus lead Nicole.
5. Engage in the Campus Final:
The Campus Final 2025 will occur in April 2025. Stay tuned for more details!
Program lead: Nicole Darnayla
Nicole aims to facilitate a vibrant campus environment that encourages students from diverse disciplines to engage with complex societal issues through systems thinking. She also hopes to cultivate a community of system thinkers and problem-solvers who are equipped to address the complex challenges facing our world today.
As a previous participant who loved the opportunity that Map the System has provided her, she hopes to spark the same passion in other students. Along with her group, Nicole honed a top 5 spot for the campus final where her group discussed Mental Health Perceptions in Southeast Asia. As a psychology student, Nicole has really appreciated systems thinking as it provides her with a new perspective both in her studies and in her everyday life.
Contact: idarn171@mtroyal.ca
Meet The Alumni
Mentorship Matching
The mentorship program will last for 6 weeks. This will consist of approximately six 1-hour sessions between registered students and mentors.
Mentorship Matching Signup: The mentorship form will be open in January 2025 for you to sign up.
Possible topics Students may need Mentors’ Guidance:
-
Defining scope
-
Synthesis
-
Imposter Syndrome
-
Scope > drawing boundaries
-
Others
For more info, don't hesitate to get in touch with the Campus Lead Nicole.
As-per-request Support
- Book a 1-on-1 Support Friday with Ashley Dion, Map the System Canada program lead.
- Email kmcgowan@mtroyal.ca for a question or other support with Dr. Katherine McGowan, Social innovation and system-thinking professor.
Guides and Resources
Student Guide to Mapping a System
The 100-page guide serves as a toolbox which students can select from a range of tools, theories, tips, and matrices organized into 12 steps.
Map The System Canada website is where students can find a collection of videos, webinars, and readings that are valuable resources for understanding system thinking
Map The System Global captures all the participants and winners at the global level along with past research topics and experiences
Introductory video to Global Map The System
Check out the video for a deep dive into the Global Map the System competition
