FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  1. Can I apply to participate if I don’t have a team?

    Yes! Individuals are encouraged to apply. Individual applicants can work independently or request to be placed on a team by the event organizers. See Apply for more details.
  2. Can we submit one application for the whole team?

    Yes, please submit one application if you have formed a team to apply. Please include the names and email addresses of all team members. See Apply for more details.
  3. Where can I find the OSDP datasets?

    You can find a full list of the OSDP datasets in English at https://osdp-psdo.canada.ca/dp/en/search or in French here: https://osdp-psdo.canada.ca/dp/fr/recherche.
  4. How do we identify a challenge for the hackathon?

    We encourage you to explore the Open Science and Data Platform (OSDP) and consult the examples below when deciding which dataset(s) and challenge you’ll work with throughout the hackathon:
    • Activities taking place within a specific region, province, or territory
    • A specific project that is happening and what the environmental impacts may be
    • Species at risk, and how these overlap between different human development activities
  5. Do you have any tips for searching and navigating the OSDP?

    NRCan provides a collection of various tools that you can use, especially in regard to searching and navigating the Open Science and Data Platform (OSDP). We expect participants to make use of at least some of the tools and strategies provided by the organizers (see the links below). You are welcome to use any additional search strategies to navigate OSDP that you find useful.
  6. Will we be provided any support during the month-long hackathon?

    Additional information will be provided upon successful acceptance to the hackathon, as well as during the virtual hackathon kick-off and check-in meetings. Support from the Hackathon Planning Committee and representatives from NRCan will be regularly available throughout the hackathon to answer any questions or concerns participants may have.
  7. What kinds of technology requirements are there for this hackathon?

    Each individual participant or team must have access to a computer/laptop or piece of mobile technology (e.g., iPad). You will need a stable internet connection to access NRCan’s OSDP and download datasets. Experience with Microsoft Excel would be an asset but is not required.
    You will also need to create a presentation to virtually present to the judging panel (see Important Dates for more information). Familiarity with a presentation software, such as Microsoft PowerPoint, Prezi, Keynote, Canva, or PopAi, would be an asset.
    Hackathon check-ins will occur over Zoom and Slack. You can download each of these platforms for free on Windows (Zoom / Slack) or Mac (Zoom / Slack).
  8. What are we required to submit after the hackathon ends?

    Each individual participant or team must complete a survey and create a brief (5 minute) virtual presentation to present to the judging panel by May 15, 2024 (presentation schedule forthcoming). The presentation should include a detailed overview of your creative and innovative solution (mockup or prototype) you are suggesting to NRCan to improve the OSDP. Supporting presentation materials (Powerpoint, etc.) must be submitted to osdpuxhackathon@gmail.com by 11:59PM ADT on May 13, 2024.
  9. Who do we contact with questions?

    Please get in touch with the Hackathon Planning Committee with any questions or comments at osdpuxhackathon@gmail.com.