Updates
- Congratulations to the Top 5 teams and the other 11 entered teams on the successful campus final submission. Review this year's top 5 teams and their topics here.
- The final team is preparing to compete with other post-secondary institutes' teams in the Canadian Final in May (see details below)
Map the System Canada Final 2024
The biggest systems research event so far and FREE entrance! This year Map the System Canada Final 2024 promises to be an enlightening and enriching experience. Get ready to witness the Brilliance of Canada’s top 6 student teams as they unravel complex societal and environmental issues.At the Bella Concert Hall on May 27th, 2024 at 9:30 am.
For more information and registration, check at mapthesystem.ca/canadian-final-2024
Hope to see you!
The inaugural Summit is for you to address the need to make sense of and deal with complicated social issues with the approach of systems thinking while enjoying the summer in Baff, whether you're a student eager to witness the power of systems thinking, an educator seeking innovative teaching methodologies, or a practitioner committed to driving positive change. It will be a 3-day 2-evening event (May 27- May 29) at the Banff Centre, consisting of plenary speeches and conversations, themed panel sessions, interactive workshops, land-based walkabouts, networking activities and more.
For more information and registration, check at Banff Systems Summit website
Hope to see you!
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)
 |
Research any topic of interest Including but not limited to social, environmental, cultural and economic or related to 17 Sustainable Development Goals |
|
 |
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 |
|
 |
Get a chance to compete nationally |
• The competition is hosted by the Skoll Centre for Social Entrepreneurship at the University of Oxford from the global level
Please note the competition will not take place at the global level this year
• The institute manages Map The System at MRU and Map The System Canada
Timeline
March 28, 2024 - 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
- The Canadian Finals will be taking place in Calgary, Alberta, this year.
- Semi-final: during the semi-finals, all campus teams will get to compete for a chance to be within the top 6 at the Canadian Final
- Final: The top 6 teams from across Canada compete for 1st ($4000), 2nd ($3000), and 3rd ($2000) prizes, and 4 $10,000 Apprenticing with a Problem grants
May 27 - 29, 2024 - Banff Systems Summit
- The inaugural Banff Systems Summit will be a 3-day, 2-evening event at the Banff Centre, consisting of plenary speeches and conversations, themed panel sessions, interactive workshops, land-based walkabouts, culturally-informed feasting, and semi-structured networking activities. This is a chance for you to kick-start your career and learn from practitioners working in systems thinking.
Support
📅 Subscribe to our Key Dates calendar to stay up-to-date with the program's key dates, events, and project progress
Mentorship
Several professionals such as professors, program mentors, and program leads are happy to answer any questions or join in online consultant meetings with you
- Mentorship Matching: If you are interested in receiving mentorship, please fill out this mentorship form by Friday, March 1st to ensure we can make all the matches
- As-per-request Support:
- Book a 1-on-1 Support Friday with Ashley Dion, Map the System Canada program manager
- Email kmcgowan@mtroyal.ca for a question or other support with Dr. Katherine McGowan, Social innovation and system-thinking professor
- Book a 1-on-1 Support Friday with Ashley Dion, Map the System Canada program manager
Workshops/ Lectures
Watch the workshops and lectures useful for your research:
- What is a Systems Problem with Dr. Katherine McGowan (System thinking professor)
- How to Research Systems with Tara Campbel (Systemic Designer)
- System Mapping with Naryan Wond (Founder of ThinkBetter)
- Register to attend Finding the Root Causes with Daniela Papi Thornton (one of the original Map the System Creators) - Friday, March 8th | 11:00 am - 12:00 pm MST
Socialize & Support
Come and join our Lunch&Map sessions to meet and exchange ideas with other participants and mentors, at EB3013 known as Trico Changemakers Studio at MRU
- February 27, 12 PM - 1 PM with Dr. Katharine McGowan (Social Innovation and system-thinking Professor)
- March 4th, 1 PM - 2 PM with Mizuki Oshita (Program Coordinator)
- (Cancelled) March 12th, 12 PM - 1 PM with Dr. Katharine McGowan (Social Innovation and System-Thinking Professor)
- March 18th, 1 PM - 2 PM with Mizuki Oshita (Program Coordinator)
- March 26th, 12 PM - 1 PM with Dr. Katharine McGowan (Social innovation and system-thinking Professor)
Alita participated in Map The System 2023 where her team tackled the issue of cultural identity crisis amongst third-culture Canadians, which won the campus finals. As an information design graduate, Alita is passionate about Systems Thinking and communicating complex ideas through design and hopes to encourage as many students as possible to take part in this program. When Alita is not working, she enjoys painting, reading, travelling and hanging out with her dog!
Contact: avaz212@mtroyal.ca
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
Last Year’s Global Participants
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
Meet The System Alumni
Eligibility
All MRU students and recent graduates can join the competition:
- 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.
Registration
Registration is closed. Registration will be open again in October, 2024 for your opportunity to take part
