Washington State University has announced that it will host a hackathon in Spokane between May 11-12 where ideas designed to address climate change will be discussed.
From melting ice and rising seas to longer droughts and deadlier storms, the impacts of climate change continue to be 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, adaptation, and impact.
The goal of the hackathon, which 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 is to develop interdisciplinary teams of scientists that can identify projects that utilize WSU’s research strengths to address climate change.
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.
Applications are due March 21 to participate in the event, which will take place at a yet to be determined off-campus location.
Reacting to the development, Geeta Dutta, assistant vice president for the Office of Research Advancement and Partnerships said, “Research is vital to understanding the effects of climate change and providing mitigation solutions,”
“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,” he said.
Faculty in all disciplines with interests in basic and applied research are encouraged to apply as selected candidates will be expected to participate in intense idea generation discussions.
During the hackathon, participants will be expected to 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.
Story was adapted from WSU Insider.
