UCSD SMASH & NSF HDR ML Challenge Hackathon

11 Jan 2025, 09:00 → 12 Jan 2025, 16:00 US/Pacific

TBA

Join us for the NSF HDR  and UCSD SMASH  Hackathon! This hackathon is based on the NSF HDR ML Challenge where participants are tasked with using ML to find anomalies in their choice of three datasets: gravitational wave detection, hybrid species discovery, or climate event identification. The goal of the hackathon is to work with teams and expert consultants to complete a submission for one of these challenges. It is a great opportunity to refine your data science skills, network with scientists, and have fun! Breakfast and lunch will be provided. There will be prizes and certificates awarded for best submissions. All experience levels are welcome!

The hackathon is organized in collaboration between UCSD's Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics, UCSD's Department of Physics, UCSD's Halıcıoğlu Data Science Institute, and The San Diego Supercomputer Center through UCSD's new "SMASH" initiative. More information can be found here. 

This event will take place the weekend of January 11-12. After a brief introduction and tutorial session teams of 1-4 people will be assigned to the dataset of their choice. Expert scientists and programmers will be available to consult and aid teams for the duration of the event. Teams will present their progress at the closing of the event on Sunday afternoon. Final submissions are due Thursday January 16.

In-person participation in as much of the hackathon as possible is highly recommended. Registration for the event is free. 

The hackathon will take place on campus, (specific location TBA).

We are looking for volunteers to serve as experts to help teams with their projects. Please indicate if you would like to be a volunteer on the registration form.

Saturday 11 January

09:00 → 09:20 Breakfast & Coffee

09:20 → 12:00 Introduction Session: Welcome & Orientation

09:20 Welcome Remarks

09:30 Project Introduction: Hybrid Species Discovery

09:45 Project Introduction: Climate Event Identification

10:00 Project Introduction: Gravitational Wave Detection

10:15 Coffee Break

10:30 Hands-on Tutorial: Practice notebook & submission

11:15 Team Formation

12:00 → 13:00 Provided Lunch

13:00 → 19:00 Hacking Time!: Day 1

Teams gather together to work on their challenge submissions, with experts nearby to consult

13:00 Hacking Time!

15:00 Coffee Break

15:20 Hacking Time!

18:00 Day 1 Expert Consultation Wrap-Up

Expert volunteers make their final rounds helping teams for the day

19:00 → 20:00 Dinner (Self-Organized)

20:00 → 22:00 Nighttime Self-Organized Hacking Time

Teams may wish to continue working. Rooms will be available until 10pm (subject to change).

Sunday 12 January

09:00 → 09:20 Breakfast & Coffee

09:20 → 09:30 Day 2 Welcome Remarks

09:30 → 13:00 Hacking Time!: Day 2

Teams gather together to work on their challenge submissions, with experts nearby to consult

09:30 Morning Expert Consultation

Expert volunteers make their rounds to check in with the teams progress

10:30 Hacking Time!

11:30 Coffee Break

11:50 Hacking Home Stretch!

13:00 → 14:00 Provided Lunch: Pizza Party!

14:00 → 15:30 Team Presentations

Each team presents their project submissions including current status.

15:30 → 15:45 Coffee Break

15:45 → 16:00 Prizes & Closing Remarks