Bridging Divides U of A - Migration Data Challenge 2025

Uncover Insights. Tell Stories with Data. Drive Impact.

The Bridging Divides Migration Data Challenge 2025 is an exciting opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students to explore the intersection of migration, data, and policy. This competition invites participants from diverse disciplines — data science, economics, geography, psychology, sociology, and beyond — to analyze publicly available yet underutilized Statistics Canada datasets and generate meaningful insights into disparities in geographic proximity to services and facilities among immigrants, temporary residents, and Canadian-born individuals.

Key Dates

April 4: Registration deadline

May 2: Challenge kickoff event

May 2-9: Challenge week

May 29: Flagship event for semi-finalists

Why Participate?

This challenge is more than a competition: it is a hands-on learning experience designed to help students develop essential analytical, technical, and problem-solving skills while addressing real-world migration issues. Participants will:

✔️ Analyze Complex Data – Work with curated datasets prepared by Dr. Feng Hou, principal researcher at Statistics Canada.

✔️ Visualize Key Insights – Use data storytelling and visualization techniques to present findings effectively.

✔️ Explore Geographic Disparities – Use innovative software to examine spatial access differences in employment, education, and healthcare.

✔️ Gain Industry & Policy Exposure – Present research to an expert panel from government, industry, and academia, expanding career opportunities.

Who Should Apply?

This challenge is open to students from all disciplines interested in migration research, data science, or public policy, from any of Bridging Divides partner institutions: Toronto Metropolitan University, the University of British Columbia, the University of Alberta and Concordia University. Whether you're a seasoned data analyst or new to working with datasets, this is your chance to make an impact, build skills, and connect with professionals in the field.

Competition Structure

Data Distribution: On May 2, 2025, participants will receive simplified datasets and guidelines to jump-start their analysis.

Time frame: Teams will have 7 days to complete their research and submit findings.

Deliverables: A final report and presentation including analyses, visualizations, and key insights

Final Presentations: 10 teams Semi-finalists will present to a distinguished panel of interdisciplinary judges, in a virtual flagship event that will be streamed internationally.

Awards & Recognition

Best Overall Submission – $4,000

Silver Award – $3,000

Best Visualization – $2,000

Audience Choice Award – $1,000

Judging Criteria

Relevance: Addressing the research focus and offering meaningful insights.

Analytical Rigor: Quality of analysis, methodology, and interpretation.

Innovation: Creativity in answering research questions and presenting findings.

Clarity: Effective communication of results through writing, maps, and other visuals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What’s the registration deadline?

Applications are due April 4, 2025 at 9:59 p.m. MT. Note that spots are limited. Applying does not guarantee a spot.

Am I eligible to register for the Migration Data Challenge 2025?

The Migration Data Challenge 2025 is open to any undergraduate or graduate student registered full-time or part-time at the University of Alberta during the 2024-25 academic year. Applicants from Bridging Divides partners: the University of British Columbia, Toronto Metropolitan University and Concordia University, must apply through their home institutions. All applicant teams must be composed of students from the same university.

Do I have to have a background in statistics or computer science to qualify?

Not at all. We welcome multi-disciplinary teams, but it would be an asset if at least one member of your team has a background in computer science or statistics.

How many members are there in a team and how do I join or form a team?

Each team is made up of three (3) applicants from the same institution. We encourage participants to start forming teams before the event. If you do not list a team on your application, you will be placed into a team after registration by the organizers. Given the nature of the challenge, we recommend you make your team interdisciplinary.

How do I get started?

You will have to submit a registration form.

Each team member needs to register individually. If you have a team already formed don’t forget to list it in the registration form. Please name your team! We will use your team name throughout the competition.

Is there a schedule?

Yes, the Migration Data Challenge 2025 will begin virtually on May 2, 2025, from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. MT, with an introduction to the competition and the datasets. Teams will then have one week (until May 9, 2025, at 9:59 p.m. MT) to complete their research and submit their findings. There will also be a Flagship Event on May 29, 2025, from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. MT, where the top 10 semi-finalist teams will present their final reports to a panel of judges. In order to participate, you must be available for both the May 2 session and the May 29 presentation event.

Will there be prizes?

Yes! Prizes are awarded for teams based on their analyses and presentations during the competition. In total, $10,000 will be awarded to the winning teams.

Will my team get any support during the challenge?

Yes, participants can book time with mentors from the Bridging Divides research team, civil society, and industry. Mentors will provide limited support based on their availability and areas of expertise.