Hack the Truth: Combating Disinformation

Over two-and-a-half fast-paced days, you’ll collaborate in interdisciplinary teams to analyze real-world cases of disinformation, design innovative interventions, and prototype solutions that address the spread of disinformation across digital and social platforms. Guided by Dean Nathan Young from the Faculty of Social Sciences and Professor Jacques Frémont from the Faculty of Law, along with mentors from the public and private sectors, you’ll sharpen your critical thinking while applying theory to practice in a dynamic, hands-on environment.

This isn’t a lecture - it’s an intensive sprint. You’ll brainstorm, debate, and build, moving from problem identification to creative solutions in record time. Along the way, you’ll gain practical experience in case evaluation, research, and digital literacy strategies, while learning how disinformation impacts democratic institutions, public health, environmental challenges, and everyday social interactions.

At the end of the weekend, teams will present their findings and solutions in a competitive poster session judged by experts in the field. Winners will take home cash prizes and bragging rights!

If you’re passionate about truth, debate, and the power of applied social research, this is your moment. Step up, challenge yourself, and help build a future where facts matter.

Schedule

Friday, January 30, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Saturday, January 31, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sunday, February 1st, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Attendance at all three days is mandatory.

Additional details

• The challenge will be held in French and English.
• Lunches on Saturday and Sunday will be offered.
• The course outline will be available on Brightspace to registered participants.

Eligibility

To participate, you must:

• Be enrolled full-time in a program in the Faculty of Social Sciences (part-time students may enroll for a microcredit fee).  
• Have completed at least 24 credits.
• Be in good standing with your tuition fees by January 15, 2026.

Registration

Deadline: January 15, 2026, 5 p.m. Places are limited, so register early!  (Please note that completing the form does not guarantee registration. Selected students will receive a confirmation by January 16.)

Participants will be paired in teams of 4 to 6, depending on their language of use. The teams will be created among all registered students after the registration deadline.

All participants will receive 1.5 credits via microcredit FSS 3302: Specialized Workshop in Social Sciences II, provided they meet the following requirements:  

• Complete pre-event readings or homework.  
• Participate in all three days of activities.  
• Submit one written paper (report) per team.  
• Present the final project with their team.  
• Submit a self-reflection after the Challenge.  

Important note: Course grading will be based on S (satisfactory) or NS (unsatisfactory). Students must be present for the entire duration of the competition to receive the microcredit.

Need more information?

Please read through the FAQ below, or reach out to [email protected].