Map the System

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Overview | Registration 

Overview

Map the System is a global competition that uses systems thinking as a guiding approach to explore some of the most complex issues facing the world today. Map the System is run at a global level by the Skoll Centre for Social Entrepreneurship at the Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford, and at a UWaterloo campus level by the Grebel Peace Incubator. 

What is Map the System?

View "Map the System | Kindred Credit Union Centre for Peace Advancement" on YouTube

How do students get involved?

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Step 1: Learn more about Map the System

  1. Review the submission guidelines on the Map the System Canada website
  2. Review frequently asked questions
  3. Form your team of up to 5 people and pick a topic!
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Step 2: Register for Map the System 2026

  1. Register through the Map the System 2026 Student Registration form!
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Step 3: Map Your System

  1. Review the resources available to you
  2. Begin your research
  3. Reach out to the Campus Lead
  4. Map your system!
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Step 4: Compete for Cash Prizes

  1. Submit your written submission materials.
  2. If chosen, compete at the University of Waterloo Campus Final for a chance to win a cash prize!
  3. If chosen, compete at the Global Final in Oxford, UK

If you have any questions, reach out to the Map the System Campus Lead: mapthesystem@uwaterloo.ca.

Key Dates and Deadlines

  1. 2026
    1. Jan
      1. Registration deadline

        January 31, 2026

    2. Mar
      1. Research Period

        February 1 - March 31, 2026

    3. Apr
      1. Submission deadline

        April 1, 2026

      2. Campus Finals

        April 7, 2026

    4. Jun
      1. Global Finals

        July 9 -12, 2026

Winners of the 2025 Map the System Campus Finals

1st place: Gabriel Jabile

The team representing UWaterloo at the Canadian finals and recipient of a $2,000 award sponsored by Kindred Credit Union explored: Livestock Disease Outbreaks in Uganda.

2nd place: Femi Adedayo, Mya Nantambu, and Vanessa Young-Dede

The recipient of a $1,000 award sponsored by the University of Waterloo Office of Research explored: Barriers to Academic Success for Newcomer Elementary School Student in Ontario.

3rd place: Benjamin Longley and Connie Chong

The recipient of a $500 award sponsored by Waterloo Institute for Complexity and Innovation (WICI) explored: Barriers Refugees Face When Accessing Healthcare in Canada.

Learn more