CSHL Biological Data Science 2026 - BioDATA ASCENT Code-A-Thon
Join the BioDATA ASCENT code-a-thon, an intensive, hands-on event where early-career researchers use cloud computing, AI, and large-scale biological and biomedical data to turn interesting biological questions into working analyses.
Hosted by Allissa Dillman (BioDataSage) and Michael Schatz (JHU) immediately before the 2026 CSHL Biological Data Science Conference, this collaborative code-a-thon is designed especially for PhD students and postdocs. You’ll work in small teams alongside peers and mentors to explore real NIH-supported datasets, learn practical computational skills, and build something tangible: a prototype, analysis, reusable workflow, visualization, or next-step plan for a research project.
Brought to you by the Common Fund Data Ecosystem (CFDE) and the NHGRI AnVIL programs, ASCENT brings together AI, Science, Cloud, Exploration, Networks, and Technology. No fully formed project is required: bring a scientific question, a technical skill, an early idea, or simply curiosity and a willingness to collaborate.
Prerequisites
Participants with a range of biological and computational backgrounds are welcome; no prior cloud-computing or AI experience is required.
Event Details
- Event page: https://biodata-ascent.github.io/
- Agenda: https://biodata-ascent.github.io/#schedule
- How to register: Register for the BioDATA ASCENT code-a-thon on the Biological Data Science Conference Website. Make sure to request housing for November 3rd for the start of the code-a-thon.
- Costs: CSHL Biological Data Science Conference registration plus $255.00 USD for additional night of lodging at CSHL.