JII OPEN CHALLENGE
From field photosynthesis to genetic architecture
Photosynthesis hackathon
How do genetic differences shape the way plants capture light, process carbon, and survive drought? Join us for "Hacking for Photosynthesis: From Field Photosynthesis to Genetic Architecture": a unique, fast-paced hackathon bringing together data scientists, plant researchers, software engineers, and innovators to uncover the links between genotypic variation and photosynthetic performance.
When? 09. - 13.03.2026
Where? International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Accra, Ghana (moved from Ibadan, Nigeria)
The hackathon is hosted at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in Accra, Ghana. Travel support may be available for selected participants.
Over five days, participants will
- Dive into curated, real-world datasets provided by JanIngenhousz Institute
- Explore photosynthesis traits, genetic variation, and environmental interactions
- Work in interdisciplinary teams to tackle a high-impact research challenge. Present their findings at a public outreach event
- Build lasting connections and shape future collaborations
We're looking for data scientists, plant physiologists, geneticists, engineers, breeders, policy specialists, and motivated problem solvers at Master's level and above. Bring your skills — and your curiosity — to help push the boundaries of crop improvement and climate resilience.
Application from both Europe and Africa is highly encouraged.
Organizing Committee
- Prof. Dr. Anna Matuszyńska, RWTH Aachen, Germany
- Prof. Dr. David M. Kramer, Jan Ingenhousz Institute Wageningen, Netherlands
- Dr. Marvin van Aalst, RWTH Aachen, Germany
- Dr. Johannes Kromdijk, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Dr. Sansa Olakunle, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Nigeria
Partners
We would like to thank our partners of the Mastercard Foundation and University of Cambridge Climate Resilience and Sustainability Research Fund and the JanIngenhousz Intitute under JII Open Challenge Fund for the generous funding of this hackathon. We would also like to thank the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture for hosting the event.
Host
The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is a leading non-profit research for development institution and a member of CGIAR, providing agricultural innovations that address Africa's most pressing challenges, including climate change, hunger, malnutrition, and poverty. IITA headquarters is located in Ibadan, Oyo state, Nigeria, with five regional hubs and several research stations across Africa, IITA's main priority is to transform African agriculture, improve farmers' livelihoods, and ensure a food secure future for sub-Saharan Africa.
Program overview
The event runs over five days:
- Days 1-2: Interactive lectures and hands-on sessions introduce the challenge and datasets, ensuring all participants share a common foundation.
- Days 3-4 (first half): Teams work intensively on the hackathon challenge, developing solutions and preparing their pitches.
- Day 4 (second half): Final presentations take place at an open outreach event for the host institution and wider community.
- Day 5: Participants shape follow-up actions and explore opportunities for continued collaboration