Headwall of a thaw slump along the Miner River, 85 km southeast of Tuktoyaktuk, NWT, Canada. Credits: Carolina Voigt, AWI (2025).
News: Sailing, Coding, and Cryosphere Science
Sailing, Coding, and Cryosphere Science (AI generated).
Have you ever imagined running your favourite permafrost model from a sailing boat? This year, you can.
Mark your calendars for the ITCH – It’s The CryoGrid Hackathon – taking place from 11 to 16 October 2026. The main programme will run from Monday 12 to Friday 16 October, with the option to arrive early on Sunday, 11 October.
The event will be hosted in Enkhuizen, near Amsterdam in the Netherlands - aboard a chartered sailing boat that will serve as both venue and inspiration. Weather permitting, participants will also have the opportunity to head out onto the IJsselmee during the week.
ITCH 2026 will be held in conjunction with a workshop of the 
project, creating space for both focused coding sessions and in-depth scientific exchange. There will be ample time to collaborate on CryoGrid and other models, discuss ideas, and explore new approaches to cryosphere research.
Participation in the ITCH is free of charge. Attendees are expected to cover their own travel costs to and from the Netherlands.
Further details on registration and the programme will follow soon. For now, save the date and feel free to spread the word – we look forward to an inspiring week of sailing, coding, and cool cryosphere science.