Improving Research Impact Through Strategic Communications - MB-008

Project type: Innovation
Desired discipline(s): Interactive arts and technology, Social Sciences & Humanities, Journalism / Media studies and communication
Company: Genome Prairie
Project Length: 4 to 6 months
Preferred start date: 03/16/2026
Language requirement: English
Location(s): Winnipeg, MB, Canada; Saskatoon, SK, Canada
No. of positions: 1
Desired education level: Undergraduate/BachelorMaster'sPhDPostdoctoral fellowRecent graduate
Open to applicants registered at an institution outside of Canada: No

About the company: 

Genome Prairie is the leading not-for-profit organization for support and management of large-scale genomics and related bioscience research projects in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Industry sectors such as agriculture, health, mining and energy are benefitting from the organization’s outreach and commercialization initiatives. With its partners, Genome Prairie has invested approximately $362 million in research activity in plant, animal and human genomics, bioinformatics, instrumentation development and bioethics since its establishment in 2000.

Describe the project.: 

This Business Strategy project addresses a critical operational and strategic gap in research-driven organizations: the need for consistent, measurable knowledge mobilization that supports decision-making, stakeholder engagement, and funder accountability. Genome Prairie supports genomics research across the Prairie provinces, yet research outputs are often complex and not systematically translated into accessible insights for government, industry, and funding partners.
The objective of this project is to design and implement a structured knowledge mobilization and communications approach that increases the visibility, usability, and demonstrated impact of Genome Prairie–supported research. The Mitacs intern will work within Genome Prairie’s Communications and External Relations function to support applied strategy development and execution rather than purely academic communications.
Key activities include developing digital content frameworks, maintaining and optimizing digital platforms, and working directly with project Principal Investigators (PIs) to translate research activities into clear, outcome-oriented communications. The intern will support stakeholder-facing initiatives such as research symposiums and government relations events, ensuring that research outputs are aligned with organizational priorities and funder expectations.
Using applied communications, content analytics, and stakeholder engagement methodologies, the intern will contribute to the creation of repeatable processes that link research progress to measurable communications outputs. This approach enables Genome Prairie to better demonstrate value, inform strategic decisions, and strengthen its position within the Prairie innovation ecosystem.
This project is non-academic in nature and focuses on applied strategy, operational improvement, and knowledge mobilization outcomes that deliver direct benefit to the partner organization and its stakeholders.

Required expertise/skills: 

The candidate should possess training in communications, media studies, business, social sciences, or a related discipline, with a demonstrated ability to apply research and analysis in a non-academic, organizational setting. Required competencies include strong written and verbal communication, strategic thinking, and the ability to synthesize complex research information into decision-ready, audience-appropriate outputs.
Experience with digital platforms (web, social media, email marketing) and content performance tracking is required. Technical skills in Adobe Creative Suite and/or basic multimedia production (video, audio, visual assets) are strong assets. The candidate must demonstrate strong project management skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage competing priorities while meeting deadlines.
Experience supporting applied research, innovation projects, stakeholder engagement, or public-sector or not-for-profit initiatives is an asset. The candidate should be comfortable working independently while collaborating with researchers, communications professionals, and external partners.