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Q: What is Code for Earth?

Code for Earth is an inclusive and collaborative programme that welcomes each summer several individuals and developer teams from different backgrounds in earth sciences, computer sciences and software development to innovate, collaborate and develop open source software solutions.

Code for Earth is a key innovation action run by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) and supported by Copernicus and Destination Earth (DestinE).

Q: How can I apply?

The process to answer the Call for Participation is straightforward.

Go to the Code for Earth’s challenges page, or on our GitHub page, and choose from the stream or challenge for which you would like to submit your proposal, agree to Code for Earth’s Data Protection and Privacy statement and click “submit”.

 Before you submit your proposal, you might want to see our tips on what makes a good proposal:

   • it is well structured and precise

   • the solution proposed is technically feasible within 4 months

   • it contains a clear timeline with milestones and deliverables defined

Q: Where does Code for Earth 2023 take place?

It’s an online programme, so you can take part from anywhere in the world.

Q: Who can apply?

The overall programme is open to nationals and residents from ECMWF Member States and Co-operating States. For Copernicus funded challenges, only nationals from European Union (EU) Member States and countries associated with EU’s Space Programme (currently Iceland and Norway) are eligible to participate. For Destination Earth funded challenges, only nationals from European Union (EU) Member States and countries associated with EU’s Digital Europe Programme (currently Iceland, Norway, and Lichtenstein) are eligible to participate.

We welcome proposal submissions by individuals or from teams. If you are registering as a team, we ask that one team member registers with a personal email and you indicate the other team members in the form.

Q: What project would I work on? 

If you are interested in learning and working with ECMWF’s software and data, want to apply skills like AI/ML to Copernicus data or Destination Earth please have a look at the challenges on GitHub and submit a proposal to one you are most interested in.

Please use GitHub also as channel to ask related clarifying questions to tailor your submission. At the same time, these questions might be also useful for others interested in the challenge.

Q: What is the selection process? 

The submitted proposals will be evaluated by a committee based on the following criteria:

• Comprehensibility

Is your proposal sound, understandable and has it a clear timeline with defined 

• Clarity and structure 

Is your proposal clearly described and well structured?

• Feasibility

It is technically feasible within 4 months

• Future-proof approach / Easy-to-maintain 

Does your proposal contain a plan for maintenance of the project after the final event?

• Innovative approach (if applicable)

How innovative is your approach? Does it follow latest technology trends?

How innovative is your approach? Does it follow latest technology trends?

• Transferability (if applicable)

Does your proposal include a plan to transfer the solution into the ECMWF ecosystem or the broader open source community?

The programme committee can give your proposal in each category up to five points. The proposals with the highest overall number will be selected.

Q: Why should I submit a proposal?  

There are many reasons to submit a proposal and to get involved in Code for Earth.

It’s a fantastic opportunity to explore new technologies and tools, gain hands-on experience or to develop additional technical skills that have a real-world impact. It’s also a great way to meet and collaborate with experts and mentors from ECMWF and expand your professional network.

Participating in Code for Earth can help enhance your resumé, allow you to contribute to open source projects, and potentially earn €5,000 stipend (per challenge) if your team is selected and successfully completes the challenge.

Q: What are the Code for Earth Streams for this year's edition (2023)?

There are two different Code for Earth streams under which you can submit a proposal:

Stream 1: Software Development for Earth Science * 

Are you a data enthusiast who loves exploring new ways to handle and visualize data? Then this stream is perfect for you! Get ready to be inspired and showcase your innovative ideas by taking on one of the exciting challenges in this event.

Why wait? Join us now and let's revolutionize the way we approach data together!

Stream 2: Machine Learning for Earth Sciences*

Are you interested to explore the intersection of machine learning and earth sciences, challenges under this stream are a great opportunity for you! By participating, you'll have the chance to work on cutting-edge projects with other like-minded individuals and develop your skills in a supportive and collaborative environment.

Let us know your innovative ideas related to one of these challenges!

* Successful projects will be eligible to a stipend of €5,000 and if applicable, cloud credits from the European Weather Cloud or WEkEO.

Q: How many participants will be selected? 

A total of up to 10 proposals may be selected.

Q: Are there costs involved if you want to submit a proposal? 

There is no cost involved to apply and participate in the programme. 

Q: What are the key dates and deadlines? 

   • Submission deadline: 12 April 2023

   • Announcement of selected proposals and participants: 27 April 2023

   • Project development and coding phase: 02 May to 31 August 2023

   • Final Code for Earth Day @ECMWF in Bologna: 20 September 2023

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