Submission Guidelines for Inspiring Minds – A Digital Collection of Western’s Graduate Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity

One rule: write about your work using no more than 150 words. Be creative!

Guiding Principles

  • Describe the nature and purpose of your research, scholarship or creative activity. AVOID SIMPLY COPYING AND PASTING YOUR ABSTRACT -- TELL YOUR STORY IN A NEW WAY!
  • If you decide to use a title, please ensure it’s written for the lay person. Note that your title does not count toward your 150 words.
  • If appropriate, include elements of personal motivation for pursuing your work.
  • Avoid jargon and overly complex terminology or define it where necessary.

Style Guidelines

  • The submission must be uploaded in .pdf, .docx, or .rtf format.
  • As relevant (e.g., for Music or Visual Arts students), you may also include image or audio files with your text submission.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I submit my 150 words in a language other than English?
Yes. We accept submissions in any language; however, we ask that you provide an English translation with your submission. The translation can appear with your submission in a single document.

I submitted my work to Inspiring Minds last year. Can I submit again?
Yes! You can submit your work each year, but each submission must be different. In addition, if you submitted and were chosen as one of the 26 students in the showcase, you cannot be selected again; however, your work for each year will appear in the Digital Collection.

Can I revise my words after I submit?
Yes, you are able to revise your submission. Log in to your account on the Scholarship@Western website HERE. Navigate to your submission under Inspiring Minds – Showcasing Western’s Graduate Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity "Articles". Click your submission title. On the top left sidebar, click "Revise submission" and revise your submission as desired.

Can I submit more than 150 words?
Inspiring Minds has one rule: submissions must be limited to 150 or fewer words. Submissions that go over this word count will not be accepted. Please note that your title (if you choose to write one) does not count toward your 150 words.

When will I be notified if I am one of the 26 students randomly selected to have my work highlighted by Western?
The submission window closes Friday, June 7, 2024. If you are selected, you will be notified by the end of June.