In disasters such as floods and forest fires, the public’s first response is vital to minimize the loss of life and property. However, the general level of awareness about how to perform this intervention could be much higher. To tackle this, the EELISA CommunityWater in an era of Change and EELISA Disaster Management Community, along with ITU ** have designed this Disaster Response Hackathon focused on floods and wildfires.

Using challenged-based teaching techniques, participants will learn about complex and unpredictable natural hazards and how to fastly disseminate information in the event of it happening. This includes geohydrological events, wildfires, and floods—phenomena that pose serious risks to communities near rivers, lakes, coastlines, and forests. Understanding these hazards is essential, as they can lead to devastating disasters and loss of life.

This activity is open to bachelor or graduate students with a background in engineering (civil engineering, meteorological engineering, water resources engineering, mechatronics/robotics), earth sciences (e.g., geology, mining, climate science) or any related majors who are interested in complex and unpredictable natural hazards. This includes geohydrological events, wildfires, and floods—phenomena that pose serious risks to communities near rivers, lakes, coastlines, and forests. Understanding these hazards is essential, as they can lead to devastating disasters and loss of life.

Applicants will be selected based on the following criteria:

– Genuine interest in the topic (wildfires, floods, disaster resilience)
– Being in the 2nd or 3rd year of studies.
– Basic experience with modelling software (e.g., HEC-RAS, QGIS, MATLAB, etc.)
– Ability to work independently.
– Motivation for challenge-based learning and new experiences.
– Willingness to collaborate and work in teams.

Participation

There is no fee to participate on this event.

For the international students, there is funding help for accommodation, flight tickets and some coffee breaks, lunches and dinner.

For locals, the inscription fee is free, coffee breaks are included.

Please note: There is no participant limit for students from ITU. However, for students from partner universities (UPM, POLITEHNICA Bucharest, and BME), participation is limited to 3 students per university.

WHEN

May 12–14, 2025

WHERE

İTÜ Ayazağa Kampüsü, Reşitpaşa, Park Yolu No:2, 34485 Sarıyer/İstanbul, Turkey

REGISTRATION DEADLINE

April 10

This event is organized by the EELISA Community Disaster Management, EELISA Water in an Era of Change Communities and ITU Aqua Project Team in collaboration with ITU, UPM, POLITEHNICA Bucharest, BME. Learn more about these EELISA Communities and their activities on the EELISA Community Platform.