3–4 February 2027 | Milan, Italy | ESICM Innovation Forum

How can we turn clinical research questions into real-world studies using federated health data?

On 3 and 4 February 2027, the INDICATE consortium will come together in Milan for its first Datathon, organised alongside the ESICM Innovation Forum. This hands-on event will bring together researchers, clinicians and data experts to explore how the INDICATE federated data infrastructure can support collaborative research in intensive care medicine.

From research questions to research-ready studies

During the Datathon, 15–20 consortium members will work in small, multidisciplinary teams to develop their own research projects using the INDICATE Playground.

The Playground provides an environment where researchers can explore the federated data infrastructure, develop and test analysis scripts, and prepare studies before engaging participating data providers.

Unlike a traditional hackathon, the INDICATE Datathon starts well before participants arrive in Milan. Teams will prepare their research questions, draft study protocols and familiarise themselves with the Playground in advance.

This preparation will allow participants to focus their time in Milan on refining their analyses, addressing technical and scientific challenges, and taking concrete steps towards launching their studies.

Two days of collaboration and innovation

The Datathon will kick off on the afternoon of 3 February with a welcome from INDICATE’s Michel van Genderen and Christian Jung.

Teams will then work together, supported by scientific and technical facilitators, to refine their study protocols, test their analysis scripts and explore the process of setting up a study through the INDICATE portal.

On the morning of 4 February, teams will finalise their work and present their research proposals to a jury. The winning team is expected to have the opportunity to showcase its project during the ESICM Innovation Forum, subject to final programme confirmation.

Building the future of federated research

The goal of the INDICATE Datathon is not to complete a full research study in two days, but to demonstrate how research ideas can be translated into actionable studies within a federated data environment.

By the end of the event, teams aim to have refined study protocols, tested analysis scripts and a clear roadmap towards the next steps, including ethical approvals and engagement with data providers.

The Datathon will also generate valuable feedback to help improve the INDICATE portal, its documentation and the overall user experience.

Through collaboration, hands-on experimentation and shared expertise, the INDICATE Datathon will mark an important step towards making federated, multicentre research more accessible and actionable for the intensive care community.

Want to attend and join? E-mail: info@indicate-europe.eu