Proceedings of the OHBM Hackathon 2023

The OHBM Brainhack 2023 integrated educational innovation, creative expression, and scientific exploration to cultivate a dynamic and inclusive environment for learning and collaboration. The event featured two main components: the Train-Track, which provided structured and flexible hands-on training in a study group setting, and the Hack-Track, where participants engaged in open-source project development. To enhance engagement, the Buddy System facilitated peer support, ensuring newcomers felt welcomed within the Brainhack community. A novel addition to this year’s event was the Rhyming Battle, which encouraged participants to creatively express their experiences through scientific humor and artistic wordplay. Additionally, the introduction of the Mini-Grant Initiative aimed to recognize projects that prioritized open science, diversity, and interdisciplinary collaboration. While this initiative received mixed feedback due to its competitive nature, it provided valuable insights for future iterations. Here we reflect on the successes and lessons learned from Brainhack 2023, underscoring the collective impact of these initiatives.