Chemical Probes Hackathon: Advancing Biomedical Research Through Collaboration On February 20, 2025, the University of Vienna hosted the highly anticipated Chemical Probes Hackathon, a collaborative effort between the Chemical Probes Portal and the European Federation for Pharmaceutical Sciences. The event brought together Postdoctoral Fellows and advanced PhD students from chemistry, biology, and related fields to evaluate chemical probes under the guidance of expert reviewers from both industry and academia. 20250220_124153 Engaging Discussions and Hands-On Learning Participants were introduced to the Chemical Probes Portal, a critical resource in biomedical research, and engaged in discussions about the quality and reliability of compounds used in biological studies. Working in teams, they assessed the effectiveness of various inhibitors and PROTACs, rating them based on their scientific utility. Each participant had the opportunity to independently review a compound, with final evaluations being added to the Chemical Probes Portal to support researchers worldwide. 20250220_124255 Event Impact: Key Insights from Participants A post-event analysis revealed that 100% of attendees reported a better understanding of chemical probes, with many expressing increased confidence in their ability to evaluate them. Participants highlighted how the event provided valuable hands-on experience, sharpened their critical thinking, and deepened their appreciation for probe selection in biomedical research. While some found certain aspects challenging, particularly those outside their primary field, most embraced the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions and gain exposure to real-world evaluation processes. The collaborative atmosphere and expert guidance made the experience both educational and rewarding. 20250220_124236 Building a Stronger Scientific Community Beyond technical training, the Hackathon provided an excellent networking platform. Participants engaged with leading researchers, shared insights, and contributed directly to improving the quality of research tools available to the scientific community. While the event helped participants gain exposure to probe evaluation techniques, further structured training may be needed to significantly enhance their analytical skills. Many attendees expressed gratitude for the well-organized event and suggested minor logistical improvements, such as extended evaluation time. 20250220_124220 Looking Ahead: Future Opportunities The Chemical Probes Hackathon has proven to be an invaluable experience for young researchers seeking to refine their understanding of chemical probes and contribute to global science. The organizers encourage those interested in hosting future events to reach out and expand the initiative worldwide. For more information or to stay updated on upcoming opportunities, contact hackathon@chemprobes.org.

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Chemical probes hackathon at EUFEPS 2025