Lab Hackathons to Overcome Laboratory Equipment Shortages in Africa - Opportunities and Challenges

Explore a conference talk that introduces the innovative LabHackathon (LabHack) initiative, designed to address laboratory equipment shortages in African STEM education. Learn how this approach adapts conventional hackathons, incorporating elements from the Open Hardware movement and Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI). Discover the potential of LabHacks as fun, educational events that challenge students to create frugal and reproducible laboratory equipment, with completed designs made openly available. Examine a case study of a pilot event in Zimbabwe, discussing the opportunities and challenges presented by this model. Gain insights into the framework, implementation, lessons learned, and future prospects of LabHacks as a sustainable solution for in situ laboratory equipment design in Africa.

Introduction
Challenges Faced
The Approach Framework
The Lab Hackathon
Lessons Learned
Challenges
Moving Forward
Challenges and Opportunities