Science and Engineering Complex, 150 Western Ave., Boston, MA 02134
Climate
Agriculture
Food
Data
See the Winning Projects
How to Participate
- Participation is open to undergraduate or graduate students (pre-doctoral) who have Python or C++ programming and statistical knowledge with an interest in agriculture, food security, or climate.
- We recommend that all participants have the following competencies:
- Data Acquisition and Management
- Exploratory Data Analysis (EDA)
- Predictive Modeling or Statistical Learning
- Data Visualization and Result Communication with LaTeX
- Participants will work in teams of exactly three (3). You may register as a team, including an incomplete team, or an individual. There will be time for team formation during kick-off.
- Registration is mandatory and space limited. Once registered, participants will be notified of their acceptance.
When
In-Person Kick-off, October 4, 2024 at Harvard University. All participants must attend in person. No exceptions. Project submission at 11:59pm on Oct 6.
Prizes
Cash Prizes – First place: $900; Second place: $600; Third place: $300. Honorable mention for Best Visualization and Best Presentation
Visit the Toolkit
Everything you need to know: data dictionary, resources and tools, rules and guidelines, how to reach us, and much more!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some things to note. You can also visit the Toolkit. If you still have a question, contact us at datascience@harvard.edu with “Datathon Question” in the subject line.
Is there a cost to attend?
No, the datathon is free for participating undergraduate and graduate students.
Are travel/meal/accommodation stipends available?
We currently do not have stipends available for participant expenses. Any changes will be announced via the HDSI newsletter.
Can I participate virtually?
We require all participants to attend our in-person kick-off, on campus at Harvard University. After kick-off, your team can decide to work virtually up through submission.
What if I don’t have a team?
Register as an individual! There will be time for team formation during kick-off.
What if my team is incomplete?
You should still register as a team! Just note in the form that you’re seeking a third team member. There will be time for team formation during kick-off.
What happens if I win a cash prize?
Equal shares of any cash prize will be paid to each participant on a winning team. Note that prize payments are treated as income – individual recipients of prize money will be responsible for the tax implications of their winnings.
I’m not ready to register. How can I receive updates about the datathon?
Sign up for the HDSI newsletter. We’ll be sending regular reminders to our community there.
How can I sponsor the datathon?
We’re thrilled you asked! Please contact Jennifer Chow, HDSI Director of External Engagement at jennifer_chow@harvard.edu.
Is this limited to Harvard?
Nope! Any undergraduate or graduate student can participate, as long as you can attend the in-person kick off on Oct 4.
Organizing Team
Jennifer Chow
Director of External EngagementHarvard Data Science Initiativejennifer_chow@harvard.edu
Advisory Committee
Christopher Golden
Assistant Professor of Nutrition and Planetary HealthHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
