Serving a Sustainable Coding Community: The INBO Coding Club Story

In January 2018, inspired by similar initiatives, a group of enthusiastic researchers at the Research Institute for Nature and Forest (INBO) launched a coding club. The INBO coding club was, is, and will continue to be a welcoming space for anyone interested in learning more about programming and data analysis, with a particular focus on ecological and environmental topics.

Our goal has always been to foster an environment of collaborative experimentation, where participants share code, learn from one another, and grow together—regardless of their level of experience. Everyone is encouraged to contribute, express their ideas freely, and engage as equals. We firmly believe that learning is a mutual process, independent of expertise levels, and that doing it together is not only more effective but also more enjoyable.

More than seven years—and a pandemic—later, the INBO R Coding Club remains vibrant and thriving. We are excited to share the strategies that have helped sustain this initiative, transforming initial enthusiasm into a widely recognized and enduring effort both within and beyond INBO.

Key lessons learned include: Learn together: Create a supportive space where every question is valued, and mistakes are celebrated as opportunities for growth. As live as possible, as remote as necessary: Live coding in the same room is far more engaging and effective than remote sessions. Community-driven evolution: The club should always prioritize the needs of its community, with feedback playing a central role in shaping its activities. Dedication: A committed core team is essential for the consistent and sustainable organization of club activities. Full openness: All session materials—including slides, code, and recordings—are freely available to everyone.