2026 - SOA Research Institute - Student Research Case Study Challenge

2026 - SOA Research Institute - Student Research Case Study Challenge

Author: Research Insights May 7, 2026 Duration: 21:28

In this episode of the Society of Actuaries Research Insights Podcast, Dale Hall, Managing Director of Research at the SOA Research Institute, speaks with the winning team of the 2026 Student Research Case Study Challenge from the University of New South Wales in Kensington, Australia: Vihaan Jain, Sarina Truong, Carol Zhang, Liya Ruan and Alan Steny. They are joined by Lisa Schilling, Director of Practice Research, who shares perspective on the development and coordination of the annual challenge.

The conversation highlights how the winning team formed, what they learned from the experience, how they balanced the challenge with coursework and how they navigated the rigor of the competition. Listeners will also hear advice for future participants and gain insight into the volunteer-led effort behind the Student Research Case Study Challenge.

Learn more about the SOA Research Institute's Student Research Case Study Challenge by visiting SOA.org, navigating to the Research Institute section and selecting Research Opportunities. There, listeners can explore finalist papers, participating teams, submissions and challenge materials.


Hosted by R. Dale Hall, FSA, MAAA, CERA, the Managing Director of the SOA Research Institute, Research Insights, a Society of Actuaries Podcast is a direct line to the critical studies shaping the actuarial field and related disciplines. This isn't just a summary of papers; it's a series of conversations that unpack the implications, methodologies, and real-world applications found within the Society of Actuaries Research Institute's extensive work. You'll hear discussions on recently released research reports, deep dives into studies featured at major SOA meetings, and explorations of other pivotal findings produced by the institute. Each episode is designed to translate complex data and sophisticated models into accessible insights, whether you're a practicing actuary, a professional in a related financial or risk management field, or simply someone with a keen interest in the science of uncertainty. The podcast serves as an essential audio companion for anyone looking to stay informed on the latest evidence-based approaches to insurance, retirement, finance, and health. By tuning in, you gain a clearer understanding of how rigorous research informs better business decisions and public policy. Occasional guest hosts bring additional perspectives, ensuring a well-rounded examination of each topic. For those committed to continuous learning and professional self-improvement, this series provides a thoughtful and substantive resource, naturally integrating detailed analysis with broader educational context.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Research Insights, a Society of Actuaries Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Special Holiday Edition - What will arrive in 2025 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:02
Hey there Listeners--Happy New Year and Welcome to 2025! We have a special Research Insights Podcast Holiday Edition this morning - What will arrive in 2025. Hear Achilles Natsis, Dale Hall, Lisa Schilling, Patrick Nolan…
Special Holiday Edition - 2024 A Year in Review [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:16
🎄 Join us this morning for a special holiday podcast! 🎄 Sit back and listen to the Society of Actuaries Research Institute folk take a journey through the highlights of 2024, celebrating the year's milestones and achieve…
NAIC 2024 Fall Meeting Recap [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:01
Hello Listeners! We have a great episode today. Our guest is Geralyn Trujillo, Senior Director of Public Policy at the American Academy of Actuaries. The focus of today's podcast is a recap of the recent National Associa…