Open Source Science Initiative
NASA is making a long-term commitment to building an inclusive open science community over the next decade. Open-source science is a commitment to the open sharing of software, data, and knowledge (algorithms, papers, documents, ancillary information) as early as possible in the scientific process.
Open Principles
The principles of open-source science are to make publicly funded scientific research transparent, inclusive, accessible, and reproducible. Advances in technology, including collaborative tools and cloud computing, help enable open-source science, but technology alone is insufficient. Open-source science requires a culture shift to a more inclusive, transparent, and collaborative scientific process, which will increase the pace and quality of scientific progress.
Open science Facts
Open Transparent Science
Scientific process and results should be visible, accessible, and understandable.
Open Inclusive Science
Process and participants should welcome participation by and collaboration with diverse people and organizations.
Open Accessible Science
Data, tools, software, documentation, and publications should be accessible to all (FAIR).
Open Reproducible Science
Scientific process and results should be open such that they are reproducible by members of the community.
Why Do Open Science?
● Broadens participation and fosters greater collaboration in scientific investigations by lowering the barriers to entry into scientific exploration
● Generates greater impact and more citations to scientific results
Open Culture
To help build a culture of open science, NASA is championing a new initiative: the Open-Source Science Initiative (OSSI). OSSI is a comprehensive program of activities to enable and support moving science towards openness, including policy adjustments, supporting open-source software, and enabling cyberinfrastructure. OSSI aims to implement NASA’s Strategy for Data Management and Computing for Groundbreaking Science 2019-2024, which was developed through community input.
Learn More
Open-Source Science at NASA
Explore the Open-Source Science Initiative (OSSI):
Transform to Open Science (TOPS)
Provides the visibility, advocacy, and community resources to support and enable the shift to open science.
Core Data and Computing
The Core Data and Computing Services Program (CDCSP) will provide a layered architecture on which SMD science can scale.
Data and Computing Architecture Study
The Data and Computing Architecture study will investigate the technology needed to support NASA's open science goals.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning will play an important role in advancing NASA science.
Open-Source Science Awards
NASA supports open science through call for new innovative programs, supplements to existing awards, and sustainability of software.
Scientific Information Policy
The information produced as part of NASA’s scientific research activities represents a significant public investment. Learn more about how and when it should be shared.
Science Mission Directorate Science Data
The Science Data Repository pages provides a comprehensive list of NASA Science Data Repositories.
