On 23 and 24 January, students in the School of Sociology, Politics and International Relations came together to tackle food security issues in Bristol.

Organised in partnership with the Transform Society, the annual SPAIS Hackathon brings together students, academics, and the local community to research a big issue facing our community. This year, the challenge focused on food security and how to involve Bristol students in solutions.

Across the two-day event, students worked in small teams to research the issue, create a project outline, and present their project to a team of industry experts. The event also included talks from the Transform Society’s CEO James Darley about the public sector and working in public service; as well as the Careers Service, on how students could use their experience at the Hackathon in future job applications and interviews.

Food market selling vegetables in wooden crates.

Teams had a £10 000 budget to create a feasible idea, with this year’s projects including:

a new volunteering space on campus to help students engage with local community projects,
a time-banking community hub to help students make a difference,
campaigns to diversify the donations from foodbanks to help families continue to eat food from their own cultures,
bringing local food companies on campus to help students eat locally,
a local kitchen to produce free or discounted meals and cookery lessons for local families.

Gender and International Relations student Raisha, who took part in the event, told us that:

“the SPAIS Hackathon created a stimulating environment in which students could come together to devise potential solutions to climate-change-induced food insecurity in Bristol, learn from experts in the field and gain new insights into sustainability. The collaboration and communication skills I gained from the hackathon will be valuable as I continue my academic journey and when I embark on my professional journey in the future.”

The winners of the hackathon collect their certificates with James Darley, CEO of Transform Society.

Social Science Research Methods student Rafael said “during the Hackathon, I found myself exchanging and discussing ideas for social change and well-being with a highly motivated group, as well as encouraged to face the challenge of presenting an original solution to a panel of experts. I really feel I’ve developed my teamwork and presentation skills while networking and having a great time.”

James Darley (Transform Society) commented: “Once again the students who gave their time to the SPAIS Hackathon Transform Society Challenge, blew me away. They were incredible over the 2 days demonstrating high levels of proficiency in key transferable skills needed in the Public Sector, I have no doubt top employers will want to snap them up when they graduate!”

Jennifer Whillans (lecturer in Sociology at the University and a member of the industry experts panel), said: “It was a fantastic, fast-paced event. The students definitely rose to the challenge and several really innovative and insightful proposals were presented. But I was most struck by the teamwork.  Afterwards, I heard about their feverish brainstorming, WhatsApp group chats into the evening, and shared files being edited simultaneously… It very much reminded me of ‘The Apprentice’! It was a great event to be a part of.”

We are currently working to introduce similar events in different departments, but in the meantime, if you are interested in taking part in a group challenge solving issues for local communities, look out for City Challenge events on the Careers Service website.