Hackathons, Interoperability, Phylogenetics (HIP), a NESCent working
group [1], envisions a future virtual phyloinformatics bazaar in which
comparative data and phylogenies are archived, shared, annotated, re-
used, aggregated, marked up, mashed up, and linked in. In pursuit of
this vision, the working group is staging a series of hackathons
(i.e., intensive participant-driven hands-on development meetings)
that empower early-career scientists to help build and take advantage
of an emerging network of interoperable evolutionary resources [1].
The HIP leadership team [2], which is responsible for planning and
implementing the hackathons, is seeking an additional member to share
in our vision. We are particularly interested in a scientist with
experience in applying phylogenetic approaches in ecology (broadly
defined), ideally with some kind of emphasis on data integration,
aggregation, or other kinds of data reuse. Leadership team members
need not be programmers, but they must be interested in promoting the
development and application of software tools and interoperability
standards, and they are expected to bring to the table knowledge of
software-related challenges (and possibly resources) relevant to using
phylogenies and comparative data for ecological research questions.
HIP leadership team members are expected to attend a face-to-face
leadership meeting in December 2011 or January 2012, monthly
teleconferences, and 3 hackathons over the next 2 years; they should
allow additional time to prepare for meetings and to follow ongoing
hackathon projects. Hackathons thrive on a balanced mix of
participant expertise and roles: leadership team members will be part
of the mix, but may serve in roles other than software developer, such
as documentation coordinator, use-case researcher, code tester, etc.
(If you are interested only in being part of a hackathon, watch for
future calls for participation in this venue).
Over the 2-year period of the project, the HIP leadership team will
steer the focus areas, participant mix, and tangible products for the
working group hackathons. The team members can expect enjoyable, rich,
and productive interactions with a growing and energetic community of
evolutionary scientists interested in issues of interoperability, data
sharing, standards, and cyberinfrastructure. This is a unique
opportunity to make a contribution towards advancing the state-of-the-
art and the state-of-the-practice in interoperability and evolutionary
biology.
To apply, please fill out a short online application form at http://bit.ly/qmqfXi
by September 12th, 2011. We encourage you to resolve any questions
you have about the group’s mission, the hackathon model, or the
specific role you might play, by contacting one of the project’s PIs
listed below. The current Leadership Team [2] will sort through the
applications and reach a decision within one week.
Feel free to re-send this message as needed. Thanks! On behalf of the
HIP leadership team,
Rutger Vos ([email protected]), University of Reading
Arlin Stoltzfus ([email protected]), University of Maryland / NIST
Enrico Pontelli ([email protected]), New Mexico State University
[1] http://evoio.org/wiki/EvoIO_Working_Group_Proposal
[2] http://evoio.org/wiki/EvoIO_Working_Group_Proposal#Leadership_Team
