Hackathon to generate ideas for climate change related research

Interdisciplinary ideas designed to address climate change will be the topic of a hackathon Washington State University is hosting in Spokane May 11-12.

Applications are due March 21 to participate in the event, which will take place at a yet to be determined off campus location.

The hackathon is being hosted by the Office of Research Advancement and Partnerships with support from the Center for Environmental Research, Education and Outreach, and the Office of Commercialization.

During the hackathon, one or two teams will be selected to receive a seed grant to develop their ideas into large interdisciplinary proposals. Up to $250,000 is available.

From melting ice and rising seas, to longer droughts and deadlier storms, the impacts of climate change are felt around the world. WSU has a broad range of research strengths that have the potential to lead to a greater understanding of the effects of climate change and address climate change mitigation, adaption, and impact.

“Research is vital to understanding the effects of climate change and providing mitigation solutions,” said Geeta Dutta, assistant vice president for the Office of Research Advancement and Partnerships. “We would like to capitalize on our research strengths in climate research at WSU to organize and mobilize our researchers to increase our readiness to respond to climate-related funding opportunities, encourage new collaborations, and identify research projects to address some of the world’s climate challenges.”

Faculty in all disciplines with interests in basic and applied research are encouraged to apply. Selected candidates will be expected to participate in intense idea generation discussions.

During the hackathon, participants will define the scope of climate change-related challenges, share understandings of the challenges and expertise in a particular research area, participate in break-out sessions, capture outputs for highly innovative research projects, and use real-time peer review to develop projects.

The goal of the hackathon is to develop interdisciplinary teams of scientists that can identify projects that utilize WSU’s research strengths to address climate change.

Learn more about application guidelines and submission.