Partners

With support from our partners

Problem Statement

As Canada’s aging population grows rapidly, effective chronic disease management becomes more crucial for enhancing quality of life and promoting long-term independence. As life expectancy increases, so does the need for innovative solutions that address the challenges of aging in a sustainable and inclusive manner. Recognizing this, Open Science is pivotal in advancing research and technology-driven strategies that promote health and well-being among the aging population.
Open Data, including datasets on genetic markers, health indicators, environmental conditions, and socioeconomic factors, provides valuable opportunities to address longevity and aging-related challenges. By leveraging this information, researchers and policymakers can gain deeper insights into chronic disease progression and develop tailored interventions that improve patient outcomes and healthcare systems’ efficiency.
We challenge undergraduate and graduate students from any discipline to harness data science and artificial intelligence to develop data-driven solutions that support aging populations and improve chronic disease management. By leveraging advanced analytics and predictive modelling, participants explore topics ranging from AI-driven drug discovery to optimizing community infrastructure for an aging population.

Why Participate?

Develop new skills and build a research portfolio:

  • Accomplish and publish your original research
  • Computational Thinking – The ability to translate aggregates of data into abstract concepts and conduct AI and data-based reasoning for public health challenges.
  • Design Mindset – The ability to create solutions in contexts where only part of the requirements is known.
  • Interdisciplinary Mindset – Engage in an interdisciplinary, problem space led by student-driven inquiry.

 

  • Develop analytical and computational thinking by using the latest AI and data analysis tools in the context of current, real-world challenges of the aging population.
  • Get published through the conference proceedings in the open-access, peer-reviewed STEM Fellowship Journal, published by Canadian Science Publishing, with your videos and full manuscripts in Underline.
  • Showcase your research talent and new ideas for health research and innovation to industry leaders and academia.
  • Create a research portfolio-based employment and advanced education profile on the STEM  Fellowship Career Center.
  • Attend a national conference at Microsoft Headquarters, Toronto (TBC) or at the Hunter Hub, University of Calgary.
  • Network with academics, industry professionals, and other forward-thinking students.

Program Timeline

  • April 30, 2025: Registration Deadline

    • Students will form teams of up to five (5) people and register.
      Students do not need to attend the same educational institution to be on the same team.

  • May 1, 2025: Research Begins

    • Students choose the topic of their team research.

    • Using Open Data, teams will prepare literature reviews and carry out data analysis that aligns with their objectives and develop innovative solutions.

    • Students can attend workshops (both asynchronous and synchronous) on machine learning, data analytics, data visualization, and scientific writing by industry experts.

  • June 27, 2025, 11:59 PM PT: Abstract and Manuscript Submission Deadline

    • All participating teams will submit an abstract for the conference proceedings and manuscript for publication in Underline.

  • July 4, 2025, 11:59 PM PT: Video and Poster Submission Deadline

    • All participating teams will submit a video and poster for publication in Underline.

  • Mid-July (July 11 & July 18, 2025): Western and Eastern Canada Conference

    • Participants will deliver an oral presentation and be given the opportunity to present their posters to peers and experts from industry and academia.

    • Students can network with dignitaries, sponsors, and academic and corporate leaders.

Scholarly Communication Opportunities

Conference proceedings will be published by the open-access, peer-reviewed STEM Fellowship Journal with the Canadina Science Publishing.
Research manuscripts and presentations will be published by Underline.io
Network with academics, industry professionals, and other forward-thinking students throughout the culminating conference events.

For more information, please reach out to bigdata@stemfellowship.org ideas for health research and innovation to industry leaders and academia.

Contact

If you have any questions don’t hesitate to contact us

General Inquiries
bigdata@stemfellowship.org

Related Projects

Leveraging Open Data Analytics and Machine Learning to Improve Mental Health Research and Innovation (2024)
Leveraging Open Data Analytics and Machine Learning to Improve Mental Health Research and Innovation (2024)
Gallery

Leveraging Open Data Analytics and Machine Learning to Improve Mental Health Research and Innovation (2024)

21 October 2024|0 Comments
National Inter-University Big Data Challenge 2021 Event
National Inter-University Big Data Challenge 2021 Event
Gallery

National Inter-University Big Data Challenge 2021 Event

19 April 2023|0 Comments
Infodemiology for the Future of Digital and Public Health (2021)
Infodemiology for the Future of Digital and Public Health (2021)
Gallery

Infodemiology for the Future of Digital and Public Health (2021)

19 April 2023|0 Comments

Support the

Big Data Challenge

As a federal charity, we rely on the generous support of our sponsors to sustain the work we do for Canadian youth. Funds that are donated to STEM Fellowship are appreciated and will be used to support STEM programs, which provide students across the country with unique, inquiry-based, experiential learning opportunities.