Communicating to Judges and Mentors

Judges and Contact Norms

Our panel of judges brings together experts from bioscience, artificial intelligence, and decentralized science to evaluate your innovative projects.

Interacting with Judges and Mentors

Our judges and mentors are invaluable resources, offering expertise from diverse fields like biotechnology, AI, and scientific research. To ensure a productive and respectful experience for everyone, please adhere to the following guidelines:

✅ Dos:

• Respect Communication Preferences

  • Understand that judges and mentors from different disciplines may have varying communication styles

  • Clarify preferred communication channels at the beginning of your interaction

  • Adhere to established channels specified by each judge or mentor

• Prepare Thoroughly

  • Research the judge's or mentor's background and expertise before meetings

  • Have specific, well-defined questions ready

  • Provide necessary background information or materials in advance

• Practice Active Listening

  • Listen attentively to feedback and guidance

  • Ask clarifying questions to ensure understanding

  • Show genuine interest in their insights

• Be Proactive and Follow Up

  • Summarize key takeaways after meetings or discussions

  • Follow up on action items promptly

  • Express gratitude for their time and expertise

• Maintain Professionalism

  • Be respectful and courteous in all interactions

  • Be mindful of time constraints and schedules

  • Ask questions! Judges and mentors are there to help

  • Be prepared to present your work and progress

❌ Don'ts:

• Assume Universal Communication Styles

  • Do not assume all judges and mentors prefer the same communication methods

  • Avoid using informal channels without explicit permission

• Reach Out on Unofficial Channels

  • Do not contact judges or mentors via personal social media accounts

  • Stick to official communication channels provided by the hackathon organizers

• Be Unprepared

  • Avoid asking generic or easily researchable questions

  • Do not waste their time by being disorganized

• Dominate the Conversation

  • Resist the urge to talk excessively

  • Prioritize listening and understanding over self-promotion

• Be Disrespectful

  • Avoid any form of disrespectful or unprofessional behavior

  • Refrain from using offensive language or making inappropriate comments

• Ignore Feedback

  • Do not disregard the feedback that judges and mentors provide

  • Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it

💡 Additional Tips:

• Time Zone Awareness: Be mindful of judges' or mentors' time zones when scheduling

• Clear Communication: Be concise and to the point in your interactions

• Document Interactions: Keep records of key decisions and feedback

All interactions with judges must adhere to our Hackathon Code of Conduct. We strive to create an inclusive environment where all participants can learn and innovate.