26 February 2027 · Thessaloniki
Computational biology takes on antimicrobial resistance
A hackathon where students, researchers and professionals collaborate to tackle real challenges in antimicrobial resistance, using computational biology tools.
Antimicrobial resistance makes infections harder to treat and affects many sectors. At BIOHackathon, teams study specific protein targets and explore evidence-based approaches using computational tools.
Computational biology tools make it possible to analyse biological data and investigate proteins and mechanisms associated with antimicrobial resistance.
Computational findings require careful interpretation and do not replace experimental validation.
Each team chooses a thematic area and develops a scientifically grounded approach using real data.
A / HEALTH
Investigation of molecular mechanisms and proteins associated with bacterial resistance to antibiotics, using computational biology tools.
Indicative research question:How do specific mutations in the structure of a carbapenemase, such as KPC, affect its ability to inactivate antibiotics?
B / FOOD
Study of pathogenic microorganisms and their resistance mechanisms, with a focus on food safety and protecting human health.
Indicative research question:How can structural differences in resistance enzymes, such as CTX-M-15, be used to understand the resistance of bacteria that may occur in the food chain?
C / AGRICULTURE
Investigation of the molecular mechanisms by which pathogenic fungi develop resistance to antifungal substances, affecting agricultural production and potentially public health.
Indicative research question:How do mutations in the CYP51 protein affect the effectiveness of azole antifungal substances?
D / LIVESTOCK
Study of the mechanisms by which antimicrobial resistance emerges and spreads in livestock farming, taking into account interactions between animals, humans, food and the environment.
Indicative research question:How can genetic and protein data be used to identify shared resistance mechanisms in bacteria found in farmed animals and humans?
The One Health approach: These four themes do not exist in isolation. Resistance can connect people, animals, food and the environment.
The research questions presented in each thematic area are strictly illustrative and aim to highlight possible directions for investigation.
They are not mandatory requirements, do not restrict the scope of proposals, and do not require the use of specific proteins, organisms, data or computational tools.
Participants are free to formulate their own research question, choose their methodology and propose innovative approaches, provided these are meaningfully connected to one of the four thematic challenges and comply with the terms of participation.
The four themes are different sides of a shared challenge. Choose a connection to explore it.
You do not need to have a team already. You can join with an existing team or be placed in a new one.
Provide your details and interests. If you already have a team, enter its name.
Work in a team of two to five people, with support from scientific and technical mentors.
Analyse data, document your approach and present your results at the main event.
Participation is free.
Preparation takes place before the final event. Teams are formed, develop an idea with their mentors and submit their solutions, which the Jury evaluates.
Dates may be updated by the organisers.
RegistrationCompleted
Website launch – Registration opens
RegistrationCompleted
Registration deadline
TeamsCompleted
Team formation
TeamsCompleted
Participants are informed of their team
MentoringCompleted
Kick Start meetings of the teams with their mentors begin
MentoringCompleted
Kick Start meetings of the teams with their mentors end
SubmissionsCompleted
Proposal submission deadline
EvaluationCompleted
The Jury completes the evaluation of the proposals
EventCompleted
Final event
Each team presents its proposal in 10 minutes. The presentation should explain the problem, methodology, results and significance of the solution.
Three teams will receive cash prizes.
1st prize
€1,500
2nd prize
€1,000
3rd prize
€500
Each prize is shared equally among the team’s members and paid into each member’s bank account. Terms of participation, Article 11
Each criterion is scored from 0 to 10; the final score is the weighted sum.
Relevance to the chosen challenge / Scientific and technical validity / Feasibility and potential impact
Weight: 35%
Innovation and originality
Weight: 25%
Sound and meaningful use of AI tools / Quality and documentation of the open-source code produced
Weight: 20%
Quality of the presentation and documentation of the solution
Weight: 20%
In the event of a tie, the team with the higher score in criterion A ranks first; if the tie remains, criterion D decides.
Technical details need not overwhelm first-time visitors. They are gathered in the preparation resources.
From protein sequence to structure prediction and evaluation, including key points for interpreting results.
Protein databases, structural analysis tools and references to support your work.
Scientific and technical guidance as each team shapes and develops its approach.
The hackathon welcomes students, researchers and professionals interested in biology, artificial intelligence and data analysis. Participants must be aged 18 or over.
No. You may join with an existing team or register individually so the organisers can assign you to a team.
Yes. Mentors register separately, as scientific or technical mentors, using the mentor registration form (opens in a new tab).
In person in the Regional Council Chamber (64 26is Oktovriou St., 546 27 Thessaloniki).
Have questions about the event? See the contact details below.
General questions, registration enquiries and partnerships
Region of Central Macedonia, 64 26is Oktovriou St., 546 27 Thessaloniki, Greece
For correspondence and visits
BIOHackathon is co-organised by ten institutions.
Deputy Region of Digital Governance
WALK – Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Department of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics
Department of Biomedical Sciences
Institute of Applied Biosciences (INAB)
Institute of Chemical Biology
Department of Biomedical Engineering
ACM student chapter at the University of Athens
Participation is free and open to students, researchers and professionals aged 18 or over. Teams have two to five members. You can register as part of an existing team or individually, with the option to be assigned to a team by the organisers.
The event is supported by the Organising and Scientific Committees. The Jury evaluates submissions, while mentors support the teams.
Coordination of the event, registration, programme and participant support.
Scientific support and quality assurance throughout the process.
Evaluation of the final presentations according to the published criteria.
8 members
Meet the members: JuryScientific and technical guidance tailored to each team’s subject and needs.
27 mentors
Meet the mentors: MentorsRegistration is through the organisers’ forms. Every participant fills in the participant form individually; those who already have a team give its name. Mentors fill in the mentor form.
Registration deadline: 30 November 2026
How to register
