11^th Chemical Probes Portal Hackathon Tackles the Challenge of Covalent Inhibitors at Newcastle University

The Department of Chemistry at Newcastle University recently hosted the 11^th Chemical Probes Portal Hackathon, bringing together 29 students and six expert mentors for a day of collaborative learning, scientific discussion, and critical evaluation of covalent inhibitors.

This Hackathon focused on one of the most challenging areas of chemical biology. Covalent inhibitors require particularly careful assessment because of their unique mechanisms of action, selectivity, and the evidence needed to demonstrate that they are suitable chemical probes. Throughout the day, participants worked in small groups alongside expert mentors to critically evaluate the literature, discuss the strengths and limitations of published compounds, and contribute expert-curated assessments to the Chemical Probes Portal.

The scientific discussions were lively and engaging, with students embracing the challenge of scrutinising the evidence behind covalent inhibitors. By the end of the day, they had not only developed valuable critical appraisal skills but had also made meaningful contributions to an open scientific resource that helps researchers select the best chemical tools for their experiments. Of course, no Hackathon would be complete without good food! The participants enjoyed pizza together at lunchtime, providing an opportunity to continue discussions and get to know one another, before returning to the scientific challenge. During the afternoon coffee break, doughnuts helped keep everyone’s energy levels high as the teams completed their evaluations. 20260709_130054 20260709_125807

The event was made possible through the generous support of the MoSMed Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT), whose commitment to training the next generation of scientists aligns closely with the Hackathon’s emphasis on research quality, collaboration, and reproducibility.

We would also like to thank the Department of Chemistry at Newcastle University for their warm hospitality. From the welcoming atmosphere to the excellent facilities, the venue provided the perfect setting for a full day of collaborative science, and everyone involved made us feel incredibly welcome.

The Hackathon was supported by an outstanding team of experts and organisers. We are particularly grateful to Akane Kawamura, Mike Waring, Ben Bellenie, Duncan Miller, Hannah Stewart and Tom McAllister for guiding the student groups throughout the day, and to Craig Hinds for ensuring everything ran so smoothly behind the scenes.

Reflecting on the event, Professor Mike Waring, Professor of Medicinal Chemistry at Newcastle University, highlighted both the educational value of the Hackathon and the partnership with MoSMed CDT:

“It was our pleasure to host and fund this event in MoSMed CDT. A great opportunity for the participants to learn about critical evaluation of literature in medicinal chemistry and chemical biology, as well as to contribute to the Chemical Probes Portal.”

The enthusiasm, curiosity and engagement shown by all 29 students made the event a tremendous success. Bringing together early-career researchers with experienced scientists created an environment where participants could learn from one another while contributing to a valuable community resource. 20260709_160239

We would like to thank everyone who contributed to the success of the Hackathon—our students, expert mentors, organisers, and the MoSMed CDT—and we look forward to seeing the participants continue to apply these critical evaluation skills in their own research.

11th Chemical Probes Portal Hackathon Tackles the Challenge of Covalent Inhibitors at Newcastle University

11^th Chemical Probes Portal Hackathon Tackles the Challenge of Covalent Inhibitors at Newcastle University

Newcastle Hackathon