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YHODA's

Net Zero Data Challenge

15 - 19 September 2025

#YHODANetZeroChallenge

About the Challenge

Programme

Join the Challenge

About the Challenge

For Yorkshire & Humber Office for Data Analytics (YHODA)'s first 'Net Zero Data Challenge', we are inviting students to take part in a hackathon-style event where they will work in teams to tackle real-world data challenges linked to climate action, sustainability, and Net Zero policies. Using open data and analytics tools, students will explore how data can drive change at the community, city, and regional levels.

The event is run in partnership with the South Yorkshire Sustainability Centre (SYSC), who are offering the top prize for the event and helping us shape the challenges in line with policy priorities across Yorkshire and the Humber region.

💡What topics/questions will be covered?

The full details of the specific challenges will be outlined on the first day of the event. However, participants can expect to:

Work with publicly available data relating to Yorkshire and the Humber region.
Tackle specific challenges/questions relating to Net Zero policies at the local and regional level.
Analyse, visualise, and present environmental data (e.g., gas emissions, air quality, energy consumption).

Programme

Day 1

15 September

Team Registration, Challenges Introduction, Lunch, and Networking

10am - 4pm

The Diamond, Sheffield

Day 2-4

16-18 September

Tackling the Challenges

No time restrictions

Work anywhere you want

Day 5

19 September

Team Presentations, Lunch, and Award Ceremony

10am - 4pm

The Diamond, Sheffield

📌Day 1 and Day 5 of the challenge will take place in-person in Computer Room 05, The Diamond.

Join the Challenge

Who can join the challenge?

There are not many restrictions on who can join, but you must be:

A registered student (at any level of study) at the University of Sheffield at the time of the event.
Willing to join or form a team of 4 to 5 students and work with them for the duration of the challenge.
Available to attend the first and last day of the challenge in person.

Whether you’re studying data science, social sciences, engineering, or just curious about how data can support climate action, this challenge is for you!

What are the benefits of joining the challenge?

🌍 Make an impact – work on real data challenges that connect directly to policy and climate action.

🤝 Team up and network – collaborate with students from different disciplines and meet experts from YHODA and SYSC.

💡 Improve your skills – sharpen your data analysis, problem-solving, and presentation skills in a hackathon-style environment.

🏆 Win prizes – compete for the top award sponsored by SYSC.

📑 Boost your CV – stand out with experience applying data to real-world policy and sustainability challenges.

🍴 Free lunch – fuel your brain (thanks to YPIP!) while you build relationships and solutions.

How can I join the challenge?

To register for the challenge, please complete the form below. Make sure to log in with your University of Sheffield account!

A couple of things to note:

- You do not need to find a team ahead of time.
- Team registration will happen on the first day of the challenge and you will be given the opportunity to find team members during Day 1.
- If you already have a team, please make sure that everyone fills out the form independently.

REGISTRATION HAS NOW CLOSED!

Email us at yhoda@sheffield.ac.uk if you have any questions.

Partners & Sponsors

The South Yorkshire Sustainability Centre (SYSC) brings together interdisciplinary researchers and policymakers to co-create solutions for a fair and fast transition to Net Zero. Based in Sheffield, SYSC focuses on holistic approaches to tackling strategic regional priorities, split into three major themes. SYSC is sponsoring the top prize for this data challenge and is helping us to ensure that your ideas are rooted in real-world priorities for a more sustainable future!

The Yorkshire and Humber Policy Innovation Partnership (YPIP) is a regional research programme funded by the ESRC to tackle big challenges around economic growth, wellbeing, climate, and community voice in policymaking. As part of this partnership, YHODA focuses on making data more accessible to enable better decision-making. Thanks to YPIP’s support, lunch at the Net Zero Data Challenge is covered - giving participants the fuel to power new ideas and connections during the challenge!

FAQ

Who do I contact if I have any questions?

If you have any questions about the event, please feel free to email us at yhoda@sheffield.ac.uk.

I want to post about the event on Social Media. Is there anything I should know?

We welcome you to post about the event and your experiences on any social media platform! We would also be very grateful if you use the following hashtags to help us raise awareness of the event: #YHODANetZeroChallenge #YHODA #SYSC #YPIP

You can also tag us on LinkedIn as @Yorkshire & Humber Office for Data Analytics (YHODA).

Where will the event take place?

Day 1 and Day 5 of the event will take place in Computer Room 05, The Diamond. Note that you will need to bring your own device if you wish to access a computer. During Days 2 to 4 of the challenge, you can work anywhere you want. We recommend The Diamond or Information Commons if you need access to desktop computers, or you can book a room for yourself and your team via the Seat & Space Bookings. While we strongly encourage that teams work together in person, you can also work in a hybrid or remote format if your team agrees.

What experience do I need to join the challenge?

There are no specific experience requirements in order to participate! The event is suitable for all skill levels and will be a good fit for anyone interested in data, policy, or sustainability. Since you will be working in a team, the expectation is that everyone will bring different skills and knowledge to the challenge.

What materials do I need to take part in the challenge?

You will need your own laptop or the ability to access a managed computer on campus. As a student, you have access to a number of licensed and free software that will enable you to process and visualise data, so there will be no need for you to purchase anything. We will provide you with a list of useful software and how to access it during the event.

You will also have access to YHODA's Yorkshire Engagement Portal (YEP) where you can find a number of pre-existing data solutions that will help you to understand how you can use data to tackle policy questions.

What type of support can I expect during the challenge?

You will be given access to a Google Group (a Reddit-style forum) where you can ask the YHODA team questions or start discussions with other participants. While you and your team will be responsible for coming up with solutions to the challenges, we will be there to provide advice on how to find and access data, what tools and software you can use, and where to find relevant information about the challenge.

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