Hack and Learn Technical and Learning Report - September 2021

This report reflects on the learnings and experiences of the participants of the INDIGO Hack and Learn event that took place between August and September 2021. Participants include attendees that participated in one or more teams, challenge leaders (team leaders) and co-host representatives. The objective is to collect all of these experiences in a single document, forming the basis for a discussion on how to move forward with different pieces of work, and how to design and improve future Hack and Learn events.

Both participants and challenge leaders have expressed that this activity was full of learnings. In particular, participants enjoyed the possibility of networking with an international community of people who share the same interests. They also valued the opportunity to gain first-hand experience at data analysis through the challenges, allowing them to develop their data skills. For some participants, these challenges generate new interests, such as data science or outcomes-based contracting as an innovative way of solving complex problems.

Challenge leaders, who tend to be more experienced than participants, used this opportunity to test ideas, advance a piece of work or get new perspectives on an ongoing project. They also valued the possibility of improving their team and project management skills.

Finally, both participants and challenge leaders were motivated by the opportunity to have an active role in our 2021 Social Outcomes Conference. While it was many participants’ first time taking part in an academic event, challenge leaders seized the opportunity and networked with other researchers and colleagues.