Science Hack Day Dublin 2015

Do you have a date for 2015?

Are you asking? Well, o.k then but we have to be back by 11 and no funny business. In all seriousness, we’re the guerrillas of science. We don’t announce gigs. We hit, then we sink back into the night. More accurately 14th and 15th of November 2015 in the Innovation Academy - Science Centre UCD

What the diddly is going on?

Science Hack Day Dublin is going on. This is our fourth adventure out. Diddly? Really?

Ah yes, a Science Hack Day and how do I buy one? I’ll take three.

It’s a FREE to attend event, you don’t buy one, and it would never fit in your car (even with the back seats down). A Science Hack Day is all-day-all-night event that brings together inquisitive and creative minds to one place, to make wonderful things. Designers, developers, engineers, scientists and artists proudly bring their A-game to the same physical space for a brief but intense period of collaboration, making, hacking, and building of ‘cool stuff’. By collaborating on focused tasks during this short period, small groups of makers are capable of producing remarkable results. You can sign up here.

How can it be free? other hackathons are 40 euro? are you a group of eccentric billionaires?

We are group of volunteers who work our fingers to the bone to run this thing. We don’t believe in barriers for entry. We believe in chewing bubble gum and running an awesome hackathon. And, you guessed it, we like movie quotes. This is why we can have nice things. We also have great sponsors who believe in what we are doing and we are always appreciative of more help.

What’s a Hack? Will I get in trouble? Do I need a letter from my parents?

No, a hack is a quick solution to a problem – maybe not the most elegant solution, but often the cleverest. It can be hardware or software or a mix of both. It could involve mixing up data from different sources in new and interesting ways or it might be the life changing step of adding the internet to your toaster. Simple, serious, fun or useful, it is all good. Here are the things people made last year?

Your jib is cutting to my liking, who is this for?

Science Hack Day is for anyone with an interest in making new things. If you’re a coder, designer, scientist, maker or simply an enthusiastic person with good ideas, Science Hack Day is for you. It is a social event with creativity and love of science at it’s heart. This is not work! We don’t secretly want you to create a start-up from this. Let’s just make some cool stuff, eat some free food and have fun. We have two rules, you have to be over 18 & don’t be on fire.

I’m there! give me the run down daddio?

Hmmm. Here is the schedule. The day with starts with some very quick “lightning talks” where people can pitch ideas they would like to work on. After this everyone breaks into teams (usually of 4-6 people) and starts working on bringing that idea to life. You don’t have to come with a team and it is not unusual for people to float around a few different groups before settling on an idea they like. It might sound a little daunting if it is your first hackathon, but it is a really friendly atmosphere and we promise your skills, whatever they are will be useful and welcome… daddio.

I’m hungry!

We will be providing 3 meals on Saturday and 2 on Sunday. All for free. Depending on how far away the event is from when you are reading this you may want to consider having a snack.

I get scared at night-time, will you leave the light on for me?

The event will be in full flow all throughout Saturday night. Will supply the necessary caffeine to make this happen, but if you do want to get a few hours of sneaky sleep bring a sleeping bag. About 30-40% of people stay over and it is honestly great craic, but we also understand that some people do have homes to go to, and kidnap is illegal, so finding your own bed and returning in the morning to continue hacking fresh as a daisy is a fine option.

Will there be prizes? I collect shiny things

Yes, there are 7 different categories, traditionally you win plastic medal with “science champion” on it. Last year’s budget cuts meant it was wood, this year we may push the limits of material science again.

Of course bragging rights are the biggest prize of all.

I like to go to events and act like a complete chump biscuit.

Please stay at home. Science Hack Day Dublin is an inclusive event based on treating all individuals respectfully, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, ethnicity, religion (or lack thereof), or software preferences. So please don’t be nasty or mean. Be nice. Be considerate. Be civil. It’s easy. You can find our full code of conduct here. We pride ourselves on being Ireland’s friendliest hackathon!

Is this a boy’s club? Boys and their silly toys.

Certainly not. Ireland is blessed with with great female makers/hackers and they have beenrocking Science Hack Day since we started this adventure. Each year our gender split has been moving towards steadily towards equality and it is something we take seriously. Last year 30% of the attendees were female.

What sort of things get made? I made a 100 piece jigsaw once.

Yes that is very impressive, but maybe you will be more impressed by projects made in previous years (2014, 2013 and 2012). Before the event kicks off you can add any project ideas to the list of projects by filling out the short form here. About half the projects are thought up beforehand and the other half are born on the day.

O.k I nearly get it, but I am bored reading this FAQ , I’ll give you one more chance to convince me.

Still not convinced? if you come, an unidodo (half unicorn, half dodo bird) will present you with a childhood toy you thought you had lost forever.