Wants to contribute. Luis Sanchez-Heres became part of C2B2 when he was looking for opportunities to actively contribute to a better marine environment.
– I wanted to work with a larger perspective, he says.
Perhaps not what you would normally associate with a research program, but now C2B2’s own hackathon is underway.
– A good way to generate interesting data, says Luis Sanchez-Heres, researcher at RISE and affiliated with C2B2’s workpackage 2 open, data-driven innovation and new technology.
His path into C2B2 was through an interest in boats.
– I am basically a shipbuilder, he says.
Luis Sanchez-Heres has a doctorate in Maritime and Marine Engineering at Chalmers.
He came across C2B2 when the program was being started.
– I heard about it and saw it as a good opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges in marine management, and to identify areas where technology could contribute solutions.
He says that it felt incomplete to work on maritime issues without getting more involved in the marine environment.
– It was time to take a holistic perspective. I don’t just want to contribute to a greater understanding of the problem, I also want to be part of improving the marine environment. To be able to say that I have been involved in enabling the restoration of marine ecosystems would be fantastic, he says.
Focused on innovation
After some initial interviews, Luis Sanchez-Heres became part of the program, with responsibility for leading activities linked to innovation.
And now the first activity is underway: a hackathon.
– We challenge participants to produce missing data, and to further develop an open source application that facilitates the use of geographic data.
The idea comes from one of C2B2’s LivingLabs, where it was discovered that there is a need for more data.
– Data that is easy to interpret and act on for different actors. And tools to manage geographic data without you needing special training.
What do you think will attract students, researchers and others to participate?
– It gives them an opportunity to contribute their expertise and test their knowledge. Also for a good cause. I look forward to seeing what the teams come up with.
Is there any experience whether a hackathon is a good method?
– Yes, it is a popular format for creating interest and generating creative solutions. Always educational, even if it is quite difficult to predict what the participants will contribute. At best, we get concrete, usable solutions. At worst, we have created valuable learning for everyone involved, which is good enough.
Facts: Hackathon#1
C2B2’s Hackathon runs from September 22 to November 12. The three best contributions will be rewarded with prizes: gift cards of 2,000, 3,000 and 5,000 kronor. More info and registration, click here.
Facts: Luis Sanchez-Heres
Age: 42
Profession: Researcher at RISE with a focus on maritime digitalization and simulation
Lives: Gothenburg
Family: Wife and two children.
Interests: Running.
Listens to: Allan Stutton and the creatures of anxiety.
Rides: Cargo bike.