For more information on Digital Research Storytelling, please visit our Digital Research Storytelling Workshop page

Applications are now open for our next six-week, in-person digital research storytelling workshop, running from May 14 to June 18, 2025, at the Sam Ibrahim Building (University of Toronto, Scarborough Campus).

Created by the Critical Digital Humanities Initiative (CDHI)—a tri-campus beneficiary of the Institutional Strategic Initiatives (ISI) program—this workshop is presented in partnership with the VP Office of Research & Innovation and UTSC ENGAGE.

Digital storytelling is a growing approach to research creation and dissemination that emerged from feminist and disability culture as well as anti-colonial, anti-racist, and Indigenous thought.    

Traditionally, digital stories are 2-to-5-minute creative micro documentaries highlighting how inequities and resistances are embedded in people’s lives. The affective dimension of digital stories lends to their impactful use as knowledge translation tools across disciplines and sectors.    

This workshop builds on the narrative, technical, creative, and political tools of traditional digital storytelling methods, offering a tailored experience for researchers interested in sharing their findings through engaging and creative short videos. We see digital research storytelling as an important and impactful method of engaged scholarship and knowledge mobilization.  

By the end of the workshop, participants will have completed a digital story about their research. No prior experience is required — we provide all the tools and hands-on support needed. Researchers at any stage of the research process are welcome to apply. 

This workshop provides:

• Expertise in digital research storytelling — Gain knowledge and experience in this cutting-edge and experimental method. 

• Hands-on learning in an open studio environment — Develop both narrative and technical skills to create a 2–5-minute digital research story.   

• Access to premium tools — Utilize Canva Pro, WeVideo, and other top-tier sound, visual, and graphic design resources.   

• Guidance from expert facilitators — Work with three highly trained facilitators — including, for the first time, a professional graphic designer — who will support you from conception to completion.   

• Peer-to-peer learning opportunities — Connect and collaborate with a select group of fellow tri-campus U of T researcher participants.

Preparation and Equipment:  

• Each participant must come prepared with a clear idea of the research topic they wish to transform into a digital story.    

• All sessions require a personal laptop and headphones. No downloads are required, as all software platforms used in the workshop are cloud-based.   

Workshop Schedule  

• Wed May 14, 1:00-5:00pm: Intro to Digital Storytelling | Story & Script Development | Orientation to WeVideo 

• Wed May 21, 1:00-4:00pm: Script Feedback | Audio Recording | Voice Over Performance | Video Editing I 

• Wed May 28, 1:00-4:00pm: Visual Storytelling | Media Gathering | Design Fundamentals | Video Editing II 

• Wed Jun 4, 1:00-4:00pm: Sonic Storytelling | Advanced Design & Video Editing Techniques 

• Wed Jun 11, 1:00-4:00pm: Collaborative Feedback | Sound Design & Technical Refinement | Studio Time 

• Wed Jun 18, 1:00-4:00pm: 💥Story Screening & Discussion 

📌 Between weeks 3–5, each participant/team will schedule a 2-hour consultation with our Graphic Designer.

⏰ Each participant/team will commit to doing 2–3 hours of work between sessions.  

Eligibility  

Applications are open to all full-time U of T faculty, students, staff, postdoctoral fellows, and librarians. Faculty-led research teams with research assistants are strongly encouraged to apply.    

Fees  

This workshop is free for all participants. However, due to high demand and associated costs, we have implemented a cost-recovery model for late cancellations, no-shows, or uneven attendance. As part of the application process, applicants will be asked to provide fund numbers and/or credit card information. 

A fee of $1,000 will be charged for cancellations made after May 5, 2025 (two weeks before the workshop starts), for no-shows, or if a participant misses one or more sessions (except in cases of emergency or illness). We understand this is an unusual policy, but with limited spots available, we want to ensure that participants are fully committed and have cleared their schedules.  

📌 For team registrations: Research team members may miss up to three sessions as long as at least one member is present for all sessions.

Application Process   

Faculty, faculty-led research teams, students, postdoctoral fellows, and librarians are invited to submit their applications via our Google Form by 4 April 2025 at 4:00 pm EST.   

The form will request the following information:  

• Applicant Details: Your name, utoronto email address, department, division, and position title (for solo applicants and for any additional team members who may attend with you)

• Project Titles: The title of your research project AND the ‘working title’ of your proposed research story 

• Story Idea (max 2,500 characters): Provide an overview of your 2-4 minute story idea. While we don’t expect you to have a fully framed digital story, we need insight into which aspect of your research you want to highlight and why. Include a brief paragraph describing your proposed story and another on how it connects to your overall research project. Be sure to outline your current stage in the research process, including progress in data collection, analysis, and results.  

• Intended Audience (max 725 characters): Identify the audience(s) you hope to reach with your digital story.   

• Social Justice Focus (max 725 characters): Briefly explain how your research story emphasizes questions of power and social justice.  

• Experience with Videomaking or Creative Writing (max 725 characters): Describe your familiarity with videomaking software or creative writing (no prior experience is necessary).  

• Accessibility Needs (if applicable): Describe any physical, sensory, or learning-related supports you will need to fully participate in the workshop. 

Evaluation 

Applications will be evaluated on the following criteria:   

• Clarity of proposed research story 

• Relationship to the overall research project 

• Clarity of intended audiences 

• Engagement with questions of power and social justice  

Adjudication   

Members of the CDHI Executive Team and OVPRI Strategic Initiatives & Partnerships team will adjudicate applications. Results will be communicated by 10 April 2025.   

How to Reach Us   

For questions about the Digital Research Storytelling Workshop, please write to CDHI’s Managing Director, Danielle Taschereau Mamers: d.taschereau@utoronto.ca.