General information
Why take part?
The IFoA is piloting the use of hackathons as an opportunity for teams, no matter their experience, to provide insightful and different perspectives on current issues in this fast-paced challenge. In this first hackathon run by the IFoA, your output could help shape pandemic modelling going forward.
Setting up teams
Who can take part?
Anyone who is interested in this type of modelling can take part (subject to the hackathon rules). You team may need a combination of skills to complete this task in the required time. There must be at least one member of the team who is an IFoA (or affiliate) member to act as a team lead and point of contact.
There will be a limit of 20 teams able to take part in this activity.
How large can teams be?
Teams can consist of up to 8 individuals. We would recommend a team size of 4-6 for this activity.
What if I can’t find a team?
If you can’t find a team but are still interested in taking part, please contact Katy Stephenson. Whilst we can't guarantee to be able to create a team for you, we may be able to connect you with other like-minded individuals.
Preparing for the activity
What should teams do to prepare for the activity?
Teams are encouraged to:
- read the hackathon overview, and ARG bulletin to understand the background which the question will be based on, in particular the definition of R and how it is calculated
- consider the current ONS data available (along with any other data sets you might consider using) and
- consider ways they can best collaborate during the hackathon and allocate activities where necessary.
As the actual question will not be released until 29 April 2021, we do not anticipate any teams being able to start building models before the event begins.
The activity
How long will the activity take?
The question will be released at 9am (BST/ UTC+1) Thursday 29 April. Teams will have until the submission deadline 11:59pm (BST/ UTC+1) Tuesday 4 May to submit their output. These timescales will not be amended for any reason so teams should ensure they are in a position to submit their entry by the closing time.
How should teams collaborate?
Teams can collaborate however they choose, whether that’s on GitHub, Microsoft Teams or any other platforms they have available. We recommend that your teams agree this prior to Thursday 29 April. Team leads will need to submit the teams outputs on a shared file on Egress.
What data sets can teams use?
Teams will need to use the latest ONS data for the activity but are able to use other data sets should they wish to (subject to the hackathon rules and professional practices). If other data sets are being used, teams should ensure that they have authority to use the data and provide links to this within their submission.
When will teams receive the question?
The question will be released at 9am (BST/ UTC+1) Thursday 29 April and emailed to all team leads registered for the hackathon. If you don't receive the question at this time, please contact Katy Stephenson immediately as extensions of time will not be given for any reason.
How will teams submit their outputs?
Team leads will be given access to a shared folder to submit their team’s outputs:
- Links to your data set with instructions and any analysis code
- A summary paper describing data analysis and conclusions (3-4 pages)
What if the team doesn't complete all outputs in time?
We do expect that as this is a fast-paced challenge, time will be a key constraint in forming your outputs and the analysis your team will be able to do in this time and this should be considered in your preparation. Teams are expected to do what they can in the time provided.
Selecting a winner
How will a winning team be selected?
A panel of ICAT coordinators, ARG and IFoA members will select the winning team. Selection will be made considering the following however insight and innovation will also be key considerations:
- Analysis of relevant data
- Performance analysis: building appropriate models and develop analytical tools
- Drawing insightful conclusions
- Ability to clearly communicate conclusions to non-actuarial audiences
When we a winner be selected?
Outputs will be reviewed from Wednesday 5 May and we aim to announce a winner w/c 10 May. Should any delays occur, team leads will be kept informed.
How will the winner be announced?
The winning team will be informed directly and it will be announced on the IFoA website.
Have any further questions?
If you have any further questions, please contact Katy Stephenson.
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