Get Ready for the NASA Space Apps Challenge!

This October, the National College of Ireland (NCI) will transform into a hub of innovation and creativity as it hosts the highly anticipated NASA Space Apps Challenge, spearheaded by local space enthusiast Paola Vercesi.

From Dreams to Reality: Paola Vercesi's Journey

For Paola Vercesi, the spark of inspiration ignited during the historic Apollo 11 moon landing in 1969, when she, a young girl in Italy, witnessed possibly the greatest scientific achievement of her time. "It became my first and last memory of that moment," she recalls. By age five, she could effortlessly recite the names of every astronaut who journeyed to the moon. Yet, as years passed, societal norms brushed aside her dream of becoming an astronaut. "That happens to girls," she was told, and she pivoted to a career in political science.

Returning to Her Roots in Ireland

Paola’s love affair with Ireland began in the 1990s when she fell for Dublin, then a gritty city full of character. Throughout her career—including stints at giants like Maserati, Ferrari, Amazon, and Microsoft—space remained her passion. Now, she’s come full circle, guiding others toward their own space dreams through the NASA Space Apps Challenge.

Join the World’s Largest Hackathon!

Set to unfold on October 4-5, this year’s Space Apps Challenge invites participants from all backgrounds to come together and tackle real-world challenges using open data from NASA and its partners. Vercesi emphasizes the importance of diverse skills, assuring potential participants that technical expertise is not a barrier to entry.

Unleashing Creativity and Problem-Solving

With the theme 'Learn, Launch, Lead,' the hackathon features a blend of technical and creative challenges curated by NASA experts. Teams can register together or individually, and they'll benefit from mentorship provided by local academics and data scientists. The event culminates in recognizing outstanding projects, with winners potentially gaining global recognition at NASA HQ.

A Call to Irish Space Innovators

Vercesi is keen to connect with Irish space companies, inviting them to collaborate and support the initiative. This event isn’t just about competing; it's a community gathering focused on inspiration and knowledge sharing.

A Passion Ignited: Vercesi's Love for Data

Initially a participant herself, Vercesi discovered a passion for Geographic Information Systems (GIS) while exploring pollution data from COVID-19. This newfound love for data drives her to teach and inspire others, making science engaging and relatable.

The Transformative Power of Science Communication

For Vercesi, impactful communication is essential to connect science with daily life. She cites technologies like Google Maps as direct outcomes of space science, illustrating how far-reaching advancements truly are.

A Cosmic Connection

Her recent experiences, including a profound visit to NASA in Houston, only reinforced this vision. The awe of seeing Earth from space—a moment she calls ‘the overview effect’—ignited a desire in Vercesi to convey that sense of wonder and belonging to the universe to others.

Join the Adventure!

The NASA Space Apps Challenge is not just a hackathon; it’s a gateway to the cosmos. If you’re ready to make a difference and explore the endless frontiers of space and Earth through data, grab your team or sign up solo and prepare for an exhilarating weekend!