12th Microbial Bioinformatics Hackathon:
to address challenges in microbial bioinformatics

15-17 September 2025, Porto, Portugal
Free admission

About

In collaboration with ESGEM, we are organising the 12th edition of the Microbial Bioinformatics Hackathon. This hybrid event brings together bioinformatics researchers, scientists, and clinicians to address key challenges in microbial bioinformatics. 

The two-and-a-half-day event will take place on 15-17 September 2025 in Porto, Portugal, ahead of the IMMEM XIV conference to leverage the presence of international experts.

While next-generation sequencing is widely used in healthcare, challenges remain in translating genomics data into actionable insights due to non-standardized data, poor visualisation tools, and miscommunication between researchers and stakeholders.

We aim to unite leading bioinformaticians, microbiologists, epidemiologists, and clinicians to collaborate and develop solutions. We aim to foster stronger ties within the microbial bioinformatics community and advance the field through impactful recommendations.

On behalf of the organising comittee: Natacha Couto, Ângela Novais, Luísa Peixe, Kathryn Holt, Nabil Fareed-Alikhan, Emma Griffiths and PHA4GE.

Important Information & Registration

Registration link will be posted here, 1-31 May 2025.

Applicants will be notified of the selection for participation in June 2025.
Please note: Attendance is free, but participants are responsible for covering all attendance costs (travel, accommodation, and meals). Organisers do not issue or support visa applications.

• There are only 30 in-person spots available. Attendees are responsible for their own travel, accommodation, and meals, and organisers do not provide visa support.
• Selection Criteria: Participants will be chosen based on diversity in gender, career stage, expertise, and geographic representation, with priority given to IMMEM XIV attendees.
• Requirements: Participants must have a solid understanding of bioinformatics and genomics. Please note that this is not a bioinformatics training course.

Programme

The hackathon will run daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with the final day ending at noon to allow time for travel to IMMEM XIV, which is 20 minutes away by taxi or 30-40 minutes by public transport. Refreshments and lunch will be provided each day. An ESGEM-sponsored dinner will take place on the first evening to promote networking and collaboration. Participants are responsible for arranging their own dinner on the other evenings.

The hackathon will include the following activities:

• Introduction & Brainstorming: Participants will share challenges and define common goals.
• Collaborative Groups Work: Small teams, guided by experienced facilitators, will tackle specific problems.
• Wrap-up Presentations: Teams will present their solutions and explore opportunities for future collaboration.
• Community Engagement: Interaction will continue through a dedicated Discord server and GitHub organisation.
• Final Presentation: Attendees will contribute to a group presentation of findings and outcomes at the IMMEM XIV conference. 

Attendees are required to bring their laptops. To ensure a productive experience, the venue will provide Wi-Fi, power strips at each desk, and a screen with a projector for presentations.
Coffee, snacks, and refreshments will be available throughout the day. Travel bursaries are offered to IMMEM participants, and a social dinner on the first evening will provide networking and collaboration opportunities.

Venue

The hackathon will take place in

Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira N228
Faculty of Pharmacy
Building 3, Floor 1
Room TBC