Correctness & Transparency
Sound numerical methods, clear assumptions, and appropriate units/constraints.
CS² Scientific App Challenge
A physics-first hackathon where teams build interactive tools powered by ODEs and PDEs.
Placeholder date · Hybrid (campus hub + virtual)
The Challenge
Design an interactive software application that models a physical system using an explicit ODE or PDE solver.
Constraints
- ODE or PDE modeling is required.
- No ML/AI models.
- No commercial physics software.
- Open-source codes are welcome.
- Interactive GUIs are highly encouraged.
Example project ideas
- Parameter sweeps
- Scenario explorers
- Educational visualizers
Deliverables
Ship and show
Source code, hosted site, and a short technical presentation describing the ODE/PDE used.
Rubric
Weighting
70% application, 30% presentation (subject to change).
Categories
Focus areas
Bio, space, engineering, and people’s choice (subject to change).
What You’ll Build
Concept
Simulation Visualizers
Live plots and interactive sliders for wave equations, heat diffusion, or orbital mechanics.
Concept
Exploration Tools
Scenario explorers that show sensitivity to boundary conditions, material properties, or control inputs.
Concept
Insight Dashboards
Interpretability-first dashboards that pair simulations with narrative annotations and uncertainty cues.
Use these prompts for inspiration. Any interactive app focused on ODE/PDE modeling is welcome.
Who Should Participate
- Students in engineering, physics, applied math, atmospheric/ocean sciences, or scientific computing
- Early graduate researchers looking to translate methods into usable tools
- Designers and communicators who can make complex models understandable
Prior research experience helps but is not required—bring curiosity and willingness to learn.
How It Works
Team Structure
- Teams of 3–5; solo applicants will be matched
- Balanced roles encouraged: modeling, numerics, UI, communication
Schedule
- 48-hour sprint with pre-event onboarding
- Hybrid: on-campus hub + virtual collaboration channels
Support
- Mentors from CS² research pilots and professional chapters
- Starter notebooks, sample datasets, and reproducibility checklists
- Cloud credits for compute-bound simulations
Evaluation & Values
Interpretability
Interfaces that help users see cause/effect, sensitivities, and limits of the model.
Clarity over polish
Readable code, transparent data sources, and concise storytelling of results.
Call to Action
Ready to build a science-first app? Apply to join the next cohort.
Deadline
Application deadline: Placeholder date. Rolling acceptances for early applicants.
Contact
Questions or partnership ideas? Email events@cscs.org.