SPREAD Hackathon 2026

Surveillance of Plasmid-borne Resistance: Education, Analysis and Development.

4–6 November 2026
Organised by Statens Serum Institut
Funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation

Venue

CPH Conference, Tietgensgade 65
1704 Copenhagen, Denmark

Background and Purpose

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) remains one of the most pressing global health challenges. While whole-genome sequencing has become routine in many surveillance systems, plasmid-level dynamics are still insufficiently integrated into outbreak investigation and public health workflows. As mobile genetic elements, plasmids play a central role in the horizontal transfer of resistance genes across bacterial species and ecological niches.

The SPREAD Hackathon aims to address this gap by bringing together early-career and established researchers to collaboratively develop practical tools, analytical frameworks, and shared standards for plasmid surveillance.

Through interdisciplinary teamwork, open data analysis, and mentored coding sprints, the event will initiate the development of open-source pipelines, benchmarking datasets, and reproducible approaches that can be applied in public health genomics.
Beyond technical outputs, SPREAD seeks to strengthen international collaboration and contribute to long-term capacity building in plasmid epidemiology.

Format

The hackathon will take place over two and a half days in Copenhagen. Participants will work in interdisciplinary teams composed of early-career researchers and experienced mentors to ensure balanced expertise and productive collaboration.

All outputs generated during the event will be documented in shared repositories to promote transparency, reproducibility and continued development beyond the event itself. The final session will include team presentations and feedback from an expert review panel.

Participants and Selection

Paricipation is open to researchers from academic and public health institutions worldwide. A total of 30 participants will be selected, including approximately 20 early-career researchers (ECRs) and 10 senior mentors.

Early-career researchers are defined as researchers under 40 years of age. Exceptions may be considered where appropriate.

In the application, participants are expected to include a few sentences describing their interest in and experience with plasmid genomics, and their technical and/or biological skills and how these could contribute to the hackathon.

Selection will be based on motivation, relevant expertise, complementarity within teams, and commitment to collaborative development.

Funding and Practical Information

The SPREAD Hackathon is generously funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation.

Participation and accommodation are covered through this funding. All participants will be accommodated at CPH Hotel from Wednesday 4 November to Friday 6 November 2026.

Twenty travel grants will be available for early-career researchers (10 within Europe and 10 outside Europe). Grants will cover up to approximately €300 (Europe) and €900 (outside Europe) and will be awarded based on merit and financial need. Travel must be booked in economy class (flexible fares are permitted).

Travel expenses will be reimbursed after the event in accordance with the reimbursement guidelines. Claims must be supported by original invoices or receipts, as well as boarding passes or e-ticketsas proof of travel.

Programme Overview

Day 1 (16:00 - 20:00) - Why Plasmids Matter

  •  Welcome and framing – Dr. Louise Roer (DK)
  • “Plasmids in Public Health: Lessons and Limits” – Prof. Alessandra Carattoli (IT)
  •  Discussion: Emerging challenges and needs in plasmid surveillance – Dr. Louise Roer (DK), Dr. Henrik Hasman (DK), Dr. Antoni Hendrickx (NL)
  •  Interactive panel: Barriers and opportunities for translating plasmid genomics into practice – Dr. Natacha Couto (UK), Kim Ng (DK)
  •  Sandwiches, brainstorming and team formation for collaborative sprints

Day 2 (09:00 - 20:00) - How We Can Act on Plasmid Data

  • “Big Data Genomics: Uncovering Hidden Mobility” – Prof. Zamin Iqbal (UK)
  • “Bridging Research and Routine: Implementing Genomic Surveillance in Public Health” – Dr. Marc Stegger (DK), Kim Ng (DK)
  • Parallel sprints from brainstorming
  • Evening networking and peer exchange

Day 3 (09:00–16:00) – What We Build Together

  •  Final sprint and poster/pitch preparation – Dr. Louise Roer (DK), Dr. Henrik Hasman (DK)
  •  Team presentations and feedback from review panel
  •  Awards for innovation and collaboration
  •  Wrap-up plenary

Application

Application is open. Apply now for the Plasmid Hackathon November 2026.
Deadline for applications: May 31, 2026.
Selected participants will be notified shortly thereafter.

Hackathon coordinators

Louise Roer
Anette M. Hammerum
Henrik Hasman

For further information, please contact: SPREAD2026@ssi.dk