About
Map the System is an international student research challenge that invites students from any discipline to explore complex social or environmental issues through a systems thinking lens. Unlike pitch competitions or design sprints, Map the System emphasizes a deep understanding of an issue over quick solutions. Map the Systems is offered in the winter term each year.
What you'll experience
You will research a topic of your interest through a systems-thinking lens in preparation to compete at the MRU Campus Final in early April. You will be evaluated on the clarity, rigour, and scope of your system analysis, specifically your understanding of the root causes and key actors in the system, existing interventions, and leverage points for change.
Choose a topic that you care about
Research any topic of interest impacting people or the planet. This could be from a social, environmental, cultural or economic lens or related to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Learn systems thinking approaches
You will have access to online workshops, systems thinking resources and mentorship from across Canada as you research your chosen topic.
Showcase your research
Your research will be featured on Map the System Canada. Successful teams will carry on to the Global Final at Oxford, competing with other teams from across the world.
Who is this for?
MRU students and recent graduates from across academic disciplines can apply to participate.
- You can apply as an individual OR with a team of up to five 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.
Key dates
- Sept 5 - Nov 28: Student Changemaker Certificate (Participation is optional; applications open August 1, 2025)
- Nov 1 - Jan 31: Student Registration (individual or teams)
- ★April 2: Final Submission Deadline
- April 13: MRU Campus Final
- July 9-12: Global Final
The top 5 submissions will compete at the MRU Campus Final. Successful team will receive mentorship support from Map The System Canada's educators, alumni and changemakers across Canada. They will then proceed to compete at the Global Final in Oxford, competing against student teams from around the world.
Commitment and support details
On average, the full Map the System submission requires 80 hours to complete. This is approximately 6 -7 hours per week for the duration of the competition.
Deliverables
- Research Analysis: Maximum 3000 words analyzing the research and key findings
- Visual Systems Map: Presenting findings in a visual ecosystem
- Bibliography: Thorough citation demonstrating the depth of your research, including both academic and non-academic sources. Learn more at the submission guidelines.
Supports are available throughout your progress!
- Info sessions, early team matching, 1-on-1 meetings with the program lead, skill-building workshops, and mentorship from alumni and experienced changemakers.
Upcoming support sessions
Team Matching Session
When: January 15, 2026, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM.
Fill out the form to enter the matching pool here
Info Sessions in January
How to apply
Applications for Map the System open November 1. The deadline to apply is January 31.
Below are a few considerations before you apply
Articulating your research interest is required when registering. This can be a preliminary topic, reflecting your area of interest, which can be further refined as you progress through the competition.
You are required to indicate whether you are competing as an individual or a team when registering. However, only one member of a team needs to register before the January 31 deadline. This means you can finalize your team and solo status further as you progress.
The registration form opens annually on November 1 on Map The System Canada. All teams participating in the MRU Campus Final must complete their registration themselves on the Map The System Canada registration form by January 31.
The interest form is designed by the institute to gather information about your project and offer early support. We highly recommend that you fill out the interest form below before completing your applications to receive this early assistance.
“ As a Policy Studies student, I’ve been trained to create solutions before fully understanding the problem. Map the System has been one of the best ways for me to genuinely practice problem understanding and root cause systems thinking as a means of exploring wicked problems in a local, national, and international context.
2023 Map the System MRU participant
Guides and resources
The 55 Minutes - Systems Thinking Guide
An atlas to systems thinking serves as a toolbox which students can select from a range of tools, theories, tips, and matrices.
A great collection where students can find videos, webinars, and readings that are valuable to understand and apply system thinking.
Past submissions of Canadian finalists
A fantastic resource for seeing in action students' applications of systems thinking in their topics, complete with systems maps, analysis, stories from professionals and people who have lived through the topics, and reflection.
Introductory video to Global Map The System
Check out the video for an explaination of the Map the System competition
Meet the Alumni
Questions?
Contact program lead Nicole Darnayla at idarn171@mtroyal.ca for any inquiries about the program.
More info about support from Dr. Katharine McGowan and Ashley Dion will be available soon.
