As part of the teaching duties at the Chair during the Summer Semester 2022, an Agent-based exposure modelling Hackathon was planned. The Hackathon took place between 26 June and 2 July 2022 at the house “Maison blanche” in Sion, Switzerland. The accommodation at the house was provided through the Kurt Bösch Foundation which promotes scientific and artistic events. 

Four Masters in Geoinformatics students from the University of Augsburg attended the Hackathon with the goal to develop components of the agent-based modelling system being developed at the Chair. The students applied their knowledge of geospatial data handling to work on topics such as accurately distributing agents based on demographic data as well as improving how agents would move through the simulated environment with various transport methods. 

Tabea Sonnenschein, a PhD student from the University of Utrecht, also attended the hackathon. She shared her knowledge of agent-based modelling systems and gave helpful insights for future developments. In collaboration with Tabea, we hope to develop the model using well-established methodologies.  

Besides working on the development of the model, everyone enjoyed the beautiful views of the Sion Valley from the house, and we enjoyed Raclette and Fondue evenings. Some highlights of the trip include ferry across lake Constance, the Lötschberg tunnel and an afternoon hike in the mountains above Sion. The views along the hiking trail provided breath-taking views of the surroundings.  

The after-dinner debrief meeting mostly ended up with everyone working well past midnight as we all attempted to solve the day's challenges. In the end, a good time was had by all, and the dedication and knowledge of the students made a significant contribution to the development of the agent-based model. We look forward to repeating the hackathon next year.