2026 Data Storytelling Challenge

Turn laboratory data into compelling stories. Enter the ADLM Data Storytelling Challenge and demonstrate the power of data-driven communication.

Tell your story. Share your impact.

Data storytelling is for everyone. Whether you work at the bench, in informatics, or in administration, all lab science is lab data science. The ADLM Data Storytelling Challenge invites you to share how you used data science to drive change and improve care in your laboratory, and to tell that story in a short, engaging video.

Why Participate

Strong data stories help colleagues and leadership understand the real impact of laboratory work, respect their time, and make informed decisions with confidence. This challenge is a chance to build your storytelling skills, gain visibility across the laboratory medicine community, and show that data science is approachable for everyone, no matter your role or experience level.

What You'll Create

Turn raw data into a narrative that engages your audience and communicates the big picture of your accomplishments. Focus on insights you gained firsthand while solving real problems with data science.

Tips for a Successful Story

  1. Keep it focused. Pick one or two key pain points or priorities rather than trying to cover too much ground.
  2. Create impact. Highlight meaningful shifts, trends, or spikes in your data to show leadership the difference your work made, rather than simply listing facts.
  3. Respect your audience's time. Aim for a five-minute story.
  4. Be clear. Use plain language and visuals so your audience understands your insights immediately.

Who Can Participate

Participation is open to everyone, regardless of role or experience level. You are not required to be a member of ADLM to participate. Trainees are especially encouraged to submit.

You may enter as an individual or as a team. Teams may include up to six members.

How to Participate

  1. Choose your project. Identify a time you used data science to improve clinical, operational, or educational outcomes in your lab.
  2. Build your story. Use whatever data science tool works best for you, such as SAS, Python/R, Power BI, Tableau, or Excel. No specific software or technical background is required.
  3. Record a short video. Create a five-minute (or shorter) video telling your data story. A screen recording with narration, a slide presentation with voiceover, or a simple webcam recording all work well. Your story and your data matter far more than production quality.
  4. Create an account here and follow the instructions: https://aaccit.sharefile.com/i/idbcd8bd0f5b4a2aa
  5. Upload before the deadline at this link. Submissions must be received by November 1, 2026.

You're done! Once you see the confirmation message, your submission has been received.

Video Basics

  • Length: 5 minutes or less
  • Format: MP4 file (.mp4)
  • Orientation: Widescreen (standard landscape)
  • Resolution: 1080p preferred (720p minimum)
  • Frame rate: 30 fps
  • Maximum file size: 500 MB

If you record with Zoom, PowerPoint, or most screen-recording tools, your video will automatically be in the right format and orientation.

How Entries Are Judged

The challenge is designed to be accessible to everyone, not just technical experts. We prioritize the clarity of your message and the strength of your narrative over technical complexity. Entries are evaluated on:

  • Core Narrative & Insight
  • Data Integrity & Analysis
  • Data Visualization & Design
  • Delivery & Presentation

You are welcome to use AI and large language model tools to help create your submission. There is no formal AI policy, but poor or unclear use of these tools may negatively affect your score.

Timeline

  • August 1, 2026 — Submissions open
  • November 1, 2026 — Submissions close
  • December 2026 — Finalists announced
  • February 2027 — Winners announced at the Data Science Challenge Webinar

How to Tell a Great Story

Follow these four guidelines to make your story land:

1. Respect the audience's time

Aim for a 5-minute video. Choose whatever media format works best for your content — for example, recorded PowerPoint slides or a video walkthrough of a dashboard.

2. Keep it focused

Pick 1–2 key pain points or priorities. Don't try to cover too much ground. Staying focused helps your audience connect with your main message.

3. Create impact

Use “Black Swan” events — like sudden shifts in trends, big absolute numbers, or spikes in patterns — to show leadership the real impact of your work, rather than just listing facts.

4. Be clear

Use plain language and visuals so your audience understands your insights immediately.

Sample Submission Videos

Here are sample submission videos for you to review. Click a link below and download the video to watch it.

Recognition

Winners will be featured across ADLM channels, including LinkedIn, the newsletter, and myADLM.org, and will be announced at the Data Science Challenge Webinar in February 2027.

Questions

Contact Andrea Hobby, Director of the Data Science Program, at [email protected].