D1.7 Hackathon results

The B3 hackathon convened 86 participants in a hybrid format, creating a collaborative environment to innovate and advance biodiversity monitoring and policy integration using biodiversity data cubes. With representation from 46 affiliations across 20 countries, the event fostered global networking and knowledge exchange among professionals from diverse fields. A post-hackathon survey highlighted participants' significant skill gains in data cube usage, GitHub, GBIF and biodiversity indicators methodologies. The hackathon produced impactful outputs, including tools, workflows, and three preprints, all made publicly available through the B3 GitHub repository for further refinement and application (https://github.com/b-cubed-eu/hackathon-projects-2024). Submitted projects showcased the vast potential of biodiversity data cubes in research, monitoring, and visualisation, contributing to B3’s broader mission of standardising and democratising biodiversity data for policy and research use. The hackathon also served as a vital networking event, strengthening connections within biodiversity informatics. The event also provided valuable lessons, including the importance of hybrid engagement, the need for robust communication tools, and the benefit of real-time feedback mechanisms to enhance future events. This report documents the hackathon’s organisation, outcomes, summarizing the projects submitted, lessons learned and future directions for B3’s biodiversity data initiatives. The hackathon demonstrated the power of collaboration and technology in tackling global biodiversity challenges, helping to create tools and knowledge that will benefit research and conservation for years to come.