2027 Event
Our Next Chapter
Call for applications
Do you have an idea worth spreading?
TEDxUniversity of Saskatchewan—a licensed TEDx event coordinated by the Office of the Vice-President Research (OVPR)—celebrates the work of USask faculty, staff, students and alumni by harnessing the research, innovations and ideas of the USask community to inspire in-person and online audiences.
Speaker and performer applications are currently being accepted for TEDxUniversity of Saskatchewan 2027.
A TEDx talk is different from a traditional academic or research presentation. Rather, it's a brief (less than 12 minutes) curated presentation centered around a single idea worth spreading. TEDx talks are accessible, impact-focused and engaging. Compelling applications should reflect this distinction.
Participating as a TEDxUniversity of Saskatchewan speaker or performer is an incredible career development opportunity. The skills fostered during this process stand to significantly support individuals in their future endeavors. Participants will also have the opportunity to share their ideas to engaged audiences at home and around the world. Accordingly, participating as a TEDx speaker is a considerable time commitment. We ask that only those able to commit themselves fully to this process apply.
Applications close Friday, July 31 at 4:00pm CST.
Please read the details below carefully before submitting your application.
Application short-listing
Due to the large volume of applications received for TEDxUniversity of Saskatchewan events, a short listing process has been established to respect the time and energy of all applicants, and to provide reviewers with the materials they need to select the strongest ambassadors of USask!
All applicants are asked to complete the below application, due July 31, 2026 (4:00pm CST).
Following the review of the initial applicant pool, a short-listed group of applicants will be contacted by August 6, 2026 and asked to provide a supplemental two-minute video submission to explore their idea worth spreading and demonstrate their public speaking skills. Video submissions remain optional but are strongly encouraged. Submissions will be due Friday, August 15, 2026.
All applicants will be notified of final decisions by mid-September, 2026.
Before you apply
Live event commitments: The live TEDxUniversity of Saskatchewan event is scheduled for Sunday, February 7, 2027. Speakers and performers must be present for a dress rehearsal on Saturday, February 6 and the full event on Sunday, February 7.
Coaching: TEDxUniversity of Saskatchewan speakers and performers are supported by a team of expert science communicators at USask who will work with you one-on-one and in a group setting to help you craft your message and prepare for your talk. Participants are asked to willingly work alongside these communications specialists to carefully craft their script and slides. Speakers will also be asked to attend a minimum of three one-hour coaching sessions, one of which will involve a live recording in USask’s OneButton studio. Performers, who will provide a brief spoken introduction prior to their performance, will be asked to attend a single one-hour coaching session.
Additional commitments: Speakers will be asked to attend an orientation session in the fall of 2026 (approx. 1.5 hours). Speakers will also need to complete the online TEDx Masterclass (approx. 5 hours).
Scientific claims: Scientific claims made on the TEDxUniversity of Saskatchewan stage must be peer-reviewed and made by individuals who have the appropriate qualifications to speak on a subject. The core idea or claim presented in your TEDxUniversity of Saskatchewan talk should be your own or that of a broader research, scholarly or artistic community that you represent. You will be asked to provide citations for all scientific claims made during your talk.
Guidelines and policies: The TEDxUniversity of Saskatchewan event is organized under the guidelines and policies of TED and TEDx. Speakers and performers will be asked to abide by the guidelines inherent to this process. The planning committee will communicate these expectations and be available for follow-up guidance and support.
Video upload and copyright: TEDxUniversity of Saskatchewan talks and performances will be recorded live during the in-person event. These recordings are then submitted to TEDx and uploaded to the TEDx Talks YouTube channel, home to over 42 million subscribers. Please note that TEDx owns the copyright to the recordings of these talks and performances and maintains the right to adapt or distribute these materials as they see fit. We encourage you to share your TEDx talk recordings widely to help promote your research, ideas and creativity with the world!
Performance videos: Performers who wish to have their recordings uploaded to the TEDx YouTube channel will need to perform original pieces void of any licensed or copywritten music, compositions or choreography.
Past TEDxUniversity of Saskatchewan talks: We strongly encourage you to review examples from the 2026 TEDxUniversity of Saskatchewan event prior to submitting your application.
Launch the application
Ready to apply? Click the link below to start your application. We encourage applicants to keep a back-up copy of their application in the event of technical difficulties.
Applications close Friday, July 31, 2026 (4:00pm CST).
Support
TEDxUniversity of Saskatchewan is an initiative organized by the USask Office of the Vice-President Research (OVPR), in collaboration with organizers and volunteers from across campus.
Questions about TEDxUniversity of Saskatchewan 2027?