The ‘Webfest’ — CERN’s annual hackathon based on open web technologies — is taking place over one weekend of July (21–23). The opening session is held on July 21, where participants are teamed up and the projects are pitched for the following day to be worked upon. On the third day, contestants return for their projects to be evaluated and the best ones awarded. You can find out more about the judging criteria here.
In the past three years, webfest was up online for everyone around the globe to take part, however, this year, we are back to its original format – in person, at the CERN site. Find out about the location down below, or click here.
Every year since 2012, the Webfest brings together bright minds to work on creative projects. Participants work in small teams, often designing web and mobile applications that can be of benefit to society.
Webfest isn’t just for those that can code: everyone from CERN is welcome to join in and contribute with their unique set of skills.
The theme for this year’s event is education, science, and research.
The main question that every project has to answer is how a certain technology developed at CERN can help enhance an aspect of educational and scientific activity. The goal for the projects is to be based on CERN's technological infrastructure to enhance the learning and research process, and in that way directly or indirectly help improve science.
CERN works with a whole new set of technology paradigms, from pervasive ultra-fast networks of smart sensors in the 'internet of things', to machine learning and the ‘optimization of everything’. These technologies have the power to revolutionise the way big science is done, particularly in terms of data analysis and the control of complex systems. They have enormous potential, not just for research, but also for wider society. The knowledge and expertise at CERN can play a key role in ensuring this potential is realised, with these technologies being put to use for the benefit of both science and society.
Participants will be working in teams to put their ideas into action; to learn new skills and methods from each other, and from experienced mentors. Following the Webfest, participants will be able to use and expand on these skills in their future careers.
Take a look at this short tour of the very first Webfest at CERN:
Register for this year's Webfest here.
*Registration closes on Wednesday 19 July