Pandemics and emerging diseases cause catastrophic morbidity, mortality, and economic hardship. They can occur anywhere at any time. Outbreaks that begin in the most remote parts of the world now spread swiftly to urban centers in countries far away. Over the coming decades, climate change is expected to spread disease-carrying vectors into temperate regions while unpredictable meteorological conditions, including droughts and extreme weather events, will cause additional millions to migrate. Rapid recognition and response to potential pandemics and emerging diseases have become essential global health priorities, but efforts to expand and improve the collection, sharing, and analysis of data have lagged behind.

To accelerate the development of innovative approaches to detect, predict, and prevent the next outbreak, the Hackathon at IMED 2016 will bring together multidisciplinary teams to develop practice-oriented solutions at the intersections of climate change, migration, technology, medicine, social economy, and the public and private sectors. Prototype projects will be presented to an international audience during the International Meeting on Emerging Diseases and Surveillance.

Applications open September 6, 2016 and close October 21, 2016. Acceptances will be accounced on a rolling basis. Interested parties are encouraged to apply early. 

• Impact
  Projects will be evaluated based on their ability to improve the quality of life for those in under-resourced areas.