Spatial Thinking Student Competition

2022–2023

Sponsored by the International Statistical Institute (ISI) and Esri

The contest is now open

The 2022–2023 ISI and Esri Spatial Thinking Student Competition is now accepting applications through March 1, 2023.

  • Promote research

    With the integration of statistical and geospatial data, it is important to promote research in related topics and use of geographic information system (GIS) technology in statistics, including spatial statistics, regression modeling, analysis, and more.

  • Encourage spatial thinking

    Spatial thinking involves identifying, analyzing, and understanding the location, scale, patterns, and trends of the geographic and temporal relationships among data. We aim to foster the development of geospatial methods and analysis in university statistics programs.

  • Inspire curiosity

    Inspire your curiosity about statistical spatial analysis, geographic patterns, and geocomputing. GIS is about uncovering meaning and insights from within data. It provides a way to understand data through exploration, analytics, visualization, and sharing and dissemination.

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Meet the 2020–2021 winners

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Processes and deadlines

The Spatial Thinking Student Competition is now accepting applications. Apply by March 1, 2023, to participate. All applicants must submit their proposed title and abstract for consideration.

Entry topics may include statistics and data science or focus on areas of the economy, society, and the environment. We especially encourage submissions around the topics of urban planning, sustainable development, health, and disasters of all kinds. Enter the contest for a chance to win and be recognized for your GIS, spatial analysis, and storytelling skills.

All applications will be reviewed during the selection period of March 1–10, 2023, when the top 24 will be selected to submit their final projects. Participants will have until May 30, 2023, to submit their final project for judging.

Prizes

Prizes will be awarded for first place in each of the three categories:

  • Data Science: Scientific research and analysis with GIS and statistics
  • Spatial Thinking: Use of geospatial tools for spatial analysis and modeling
  • Communication: Celebrate your work and convey your StatsStory with maps

Winners will receive US$500, a one-year ArcGIS personal use license, and a full membership to ISI until December 31, 2024.

Aerial image of a series of homes and docks on water

Timeline

September 1, 2022: Application submission opens to compete in the Spatial Thinking Student Competition.

March 1, 2023: Application submission to participate closes.

March 10, 2023: Selected participants will be invited to compete in the international judging and presentation at ISI World Statistics Congress.

May 30, 2023: Deadline for final entry submission

July 16–20, 2023: Presentation at ISI World Statistics Congress and winners announced

Satellite image of snow-covered land meeting water inlets

Competition rules

  • Each application needs to include a title and short abstract (1,000-word limit) as to what the submission will illustrate.
  • All submissions should be in ArcGIS StoryMaps format.
  • All submissions must be in the English Language.
  • Applicants must be enrolled as full-time students at a college or university.
  • Entry topics may include statistics and data science or focus on areas of the economy, society, and the environment. We especially encourage submissions around the topics of urban planning, sustainable development, health, and disasters of all kinds.
  • All entries will be submitted to an international panel for review and selection.  A maximum of 24 entries will be accepted for final judging.
  • All entries must be the original work of the applicants.
  • Licenses of ArcGIS will be donated to the selected applicants to use in the competition (up to 24 in total) for the duration of the competition.  
  • By entering, applicants agree to the official rules and terms of agreement.

About ISI

The International Statistical Institute (ISI), https://www.isi-web.org, is an international society whose mission is to lead, support, and promote the understanding, development, and good practice of statistics worldwide by providing the core global network for statistics.  This is reflected in its slogan Statistical Science for a Better World. The ISI was established in 1885 and is one of the oldest scientific associations still active throughout the world. ISI, including its seven Associations, has over 4,000 individual members and more than 140 statistical agencies, central banks, universities, societies, and research institutes as organizational members. It supports statisticians and statistical organizations worldwide; organizes congresses, conferences, and workshops; and issues extensive publications, including a variety of journals. It also manages a range of awards, prizes, and funding schemes.

Resources

Tips and tricks to help you get started

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