Public Health Hackathon'2025
Kazakhstan, Almaty
8 – 10 August 2025
PARTICIPATE SUBMIT A PROJECT

ABOUT

Public Health Hackathon brings together teams of biologists, sociologists and programmers to solve real challenges collaboratively. Participants have 48 hours to analyse data, solve problems, and have fun!

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE

Bioinformatics and biostatistics enthusiasts! Sociologists, biologists, medical doctors, analysts, programmers, and mathematicians are invited to apply for the Public Health Hackathon. Participation is determined through a competitive application selection process.

REQUIREMENTS

  • Prior experience in project work in tech, bioinformatics, or biostatistics is preferred.
  • Enrolled in undergraduate or graduate programs in computer science, biology, medicine, or sociology.
  • Basic experience in statistics and data analysis.
  • The motivation letter highlights relevant experience, additional courses/training, scientific work, and achievements.

PROJECT REQUIREMENTS

  • Project topics should be from the public health field.
  • Each team, ideally, will have both biologists or sociologists and programmers so knowledge from both areas should be needed to solve the problem.
  • The project must have an articulated goal and clear completion conditions so the team can complete the project within the specified time frame.
  • The project should have a leader who will present the task at the opening of the Hackathon (1-2 minute presentation of the project) and be able to supervise teamwork throughout the entire event.

GOALS

  • Popularizing IT technologies in life science.
  • Encouraging interdisciplinary communication among specialists in technical and biological fields.
  • Developing a vibrant community.
  • Facilitating the creation of innovative ideas, IT, and biostatistics solutions in sociology and medicine.

DETAILS

  • The hackathon spans 48 hours, starting on Friday evening and ending on Sunday.
  • Teams are composed of 4 to 6 individuals, fostering collaboration and diversity of skills.
  • The organizers provide round-the-clock access to the hackathon site and coffee breaks throughout the event.
  • You will select a project from the list provided by the organizers, or you can submit your project idea.
PARTICIPATE SUBMIT A PROJECT

PRIZES

All participants will receive memorable gifts from the organizers. According to the results of expert voting, the three best team projects will share the prize fund.

Past events

International Bioinformatics & Biostatistics Hackathon, Armenia, 2023

FAQ

Who can register for the hackathon and how?
We invite students, PhD students, and specialists in the field of sociology, biology, medicine, biostatistics, and bioinformatics – anyone who is not afraid of challenges and is ready to develop a project within 48 hours! Please fill out an application form for registration until May 25. If you already have a team, each member of your team should fill out and individual application.
Will everyone who applied be able to participate in the hackathon?
No, the organizers will select the participants. The motivation letter plays a crucial role, so please pay attention to it!
We will send a response to all participants by e-mail on June 9.
What should be included in the motivation letter?
In your motivation letter, please write about your motivation, current work, skills, projects, etc., anything that will help the organizers in making a favorable decision about your participation!
Can I participate in the hackathon with my team?
Yes, but each team member should apply individually and list the team members in their application.
The project leader fills out only the project submission form!
Can I submit a project? Can I submit more than one project?
Yes, you can submit your project or projects, if it or significant part of it can realistically be completed within 48 hours.
You can submit your project or projects until June 1.
What types of projects will be accepted?
The organizers will select projects with a detailed description of the goals and objectives, realistic expectations from team members (sociologists, biologists, doctors, and programmers), and the ability to be completed within 48 hours with a designated leader to supervise the work.
Is participation in the hackathon free?
Participation is free of charge.

However, it's important to note that the organizers do not cover expenses such as hotel accommodation, meals outside the specified times, or flights.
organizers

  • IBRE is an early-stage international startup that aims to connect researchers, students, and professionals in the field of bioinformatics. The IBRE team has a successful track record, previously founding and developing for 10 years the renowned Bioinformatics Institute, and launching many educational programs and events in the field.
  • The Kazakhstan Sociology Lab, established by the El Umiti Foundation in 2023, is an educational and research center dedicated to fostering expertise in social sciences and advancing evidence-based policymaking. The lab focuses on three primary areas: organizing the "Sociology School" project to engage and educate participants, conducting research on topics related to education, employment, social policy, public health, and contributing to public discourse by actively communicating findings from social science research as public intellectuals. These initiatives aim to bridge academic knowledge and evidence-based policy approach.
Questions?
hack@bioinf.institute