So… You want to be a scientist?
NASA’s Transform to Open Science (TOPS) initiative is a groundbreaking mission designed to foster an inclusive culture of open science within organizations and communities. The goal of TOPS is to promote transparency, collaboration, and accessibility in scientific research and data, ultimately accelerating scientific discovery and innovation. The initiative targets a diverse audience, including scientists, researchers, students, and citizen scientists, aiming to equip them with the knowledge and skills to navigate the principles and practices of open science. By embracing open science, NASA hopes to broaden participation, foster greater collaboration, and generate more impactful and reproducible scientific results.
To get started with the TOPS initiative, individuals can explore the Open Science 101 curriculum, a 5-module program designed to provide essential knowledge and skills for excelling in open science. The curriculum covers various topics, including open science principles, data management, and open-source tools. Participants can expect to learn how to develop an open science and data management plan, navigate the principles of open and accessible science, and gain proficiency in advancing open science within their respective fields. Additionally, individuals can engage with the TOPS community through various events and resources, gaining valuable insights and inspiration from compelling open science success stories.
In summary, NASA’s Transform to Open Science (TOPS) initiative is a pioneering effort to revolutionize the scientific landscape by promoting openness, collaboration, and transparency. Through the Open Science 101 curriculum and a series of engaging events, the initiative aims to empower scientists, researchers, students, and citizen scientists to embrace open science principles and practices. By joining the TOPS community, individuals can embark on a journey towards advancing their open science proficiency, contributing to a more inclusive and impactful scientific research environment.