On May 23rd, 2024, the city of Debrecen became a hub of innovation and scientific collaboration as it hosted the second annual Chemical Probes Hackathon at the European Federation for Pharmaceutical Sciences (EUFEPS) Annual Meeting. The event, which drew a dynamic mix of students, pharmaceutical experts, and members of the Chemical Probes Portal, focused on advancing drug discovery and improving the tools available for chemical probe research.

The day began with anticipation, as the event organizers announced their excitement for the hackathon. “We’re putting the final touches on the technical setup and eagerly awaiting the arrival of students and experts. Get ready for an inspiring and productive session!” tweeted one organizer ahead of the event.

The hackathon kicked off with an engaging introduction by Susanne Müller-Knapp from SGC in Frankfurt, setting the stage for a full day of intensive collaboration. Participants gathered in a packed room, eager to contribute to the shared goal of reviewing chemical probes—vital tools used to explore biological processes in drug discovery.

By the end of the four-hour session, the hackathon participants achieved remarkable results. A total of 13 students, working alongside experts, successfully reviewed 16 chemical probes. This rapid progress underscored the participants’ dedication to pharmaceutical research and highlighted the exceptional talent and enthusiasm of the students involved. Organizers expressed their pride in the collective effort: “It’s a wrap! 13 students with the help of experts managed to review 16 Chemical Probes in 4 hours, well done to everyone!”

This hackathon marks another successful collaboration at the intersection of academia and industry, highlighting the power of hands-on learning and expert guidance in tackling the challenges of drug discovery. As the event concluded, participants reflected on the productive and inspiring day, pushing the boundaries of pharmaceutical research.

As the tweet from the Chemical Probes Portal summed up: “It was incredible to witness the students’ dedication and enthusiasm throughout the event. Well done to everyone involved!”

The EUFEPS Annual Meeting 2024 in Debrecen continues to foster impactful discussions, collaborations, and innovations, solidifying its place as a key event in the pharmaceutical sciences calendar.

Chemical Probes Hackathon Drives Pharmaceutical Innovation at EUFEPS 2024 in Debrecen