About QuakeHack
QuakeHack is a statistical seismology hackathon for early-career scientists. It will be held from 4 to 9 May 2025 in Castasegna, Switzerland.
“The fascination of any search after truth lies not in the attainment, which at best is found to be very relative, but in the pursuit, where all the powers of the mind and character are brought into play and are absorbed by the task.”Florence Bascom
What is QuakeHack about?
QuakeHack is designed to bring together a group of passionate early-career scientists and PhD students for a week of learning, collaboration, and problem-solving in statistical seismology. While the event aims to address unsolved problems in earthquake science, another key goal is educational: to provide a supportive platform where participants can acquire new skills, exchange knowledge, and build lasting connections to peers.
The hackathon's informal setting fosters open dialogue, debate, and collaboration, creating an environment where participants feel encouraged to explore innovative, high-risk ideas without pressure. By focusing on skill development and community building, QuakeHack not only helps individuals grow their expertise and advance their own research, but also strengthens and expands the scientific community as a whole.
How is the event structured?
The Hackathon will kick off with an ice-breaker session to help participants get to know each other. Throughout the week, participants will form groups to work intensively on selected topics. In addition to project work, the week will feature social activities, including a hike. At the week’s end, each group will present their results to a committee of senior scientists, who will announce the winning team (and award it with a prize!).
Groups and projects will be defined based on participants' interests, skills, datasets, methods, and ideas. Topics may range from human-made laboratory quakes to natural mega-quakes, covering disciplines like physical modelling of earthquake nucleation and developing robust metrics for earthquake forecasts. To support group success, we will provide a structured plan that includes goal setting, feedback sessions, and presentations.
What is expected of the participants?
QuakeHack is a format that crucially depends on the input of its participants. We therefore ask each participant to contribute ideas, datasets, or methodological expertise that can be applied to solve problems in statistical seismology.
In the application, you will have the opportunity to describe your potential contributions. Do you have an idea about which problem should be investigated? Perhaps you have a unique dataset that a project could be based on? Do you possess expertise in using a specific tool that could aid in investigating an aspect of earthquake forecasting? Applicants are free to think creatively and outside the box, and we look forward to many interesting ideas. This section of the application will be an important selection criterion.
Who can apply?
We invite early-career scientists (within 10 years after obtaining their PhD) and PhD students interested in statistical seismology to apply. We are looking for highly motivated individuals who enjoy teamwork and want to make an impact. Approximately 15 to 19 participants will be selected to join QuakeHack.
The workshop will benefit from a broad range of skills and expertise. Therefore, we encourage applicants from neighbouring fields such as (but not limited to) geodynamics, structural geology, volcanology, high-pressure geology, and physics. Furthermore, we are committed to selecting participants with diverse cultural backgrounds and warmly welcome applications from people with disabilities, and will do our best to accommodate any specific needs.
Cost
The workshop will involve a fee of a maximum of 600 CHF. The exact amount is not yet determined and depends on the number of participants and available external funding sources. This participation fee will cover transport from Zurich to Castasegna and back, accommodation, food, and the cost of the workshop itself. Transportation to Zurich is the responsibility of the participants.
In exceptional cases, the participation fee may be reduced or waived. If you believe you qualify for an exception, please provide a brief explanation in your application. Kindly note that such exceptions can only be granted to a limited number of participants.
Questions?
If you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions, please feel free to at any time!
Acknowledgements
QuakeHack is made possible by funding from the Swiss Seismological Service at ETH Zurich, the International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics (IUGG), the Seismological Society of America (SSA) and the Fondazione Garbald.