Using the OLS training programme as launch pad for NASA TOPS Open Science 101 cohorts

This presentation shares insights from eight cohorts of an open science training and mentoring program, highlighting our engagement of underrepresented communities.

Since 2020, OLS has successfully delivered virtual training cohorts to empower 380+ researchers and teams to lead open projects globally. We combine practical training with 1:1 mentorship, supporting participants to apply open practices within their socio-cultural context. As “Inclusion by design” is a core principle, we offer: microgrants to assist with accessibility needs like high-speed internet, electronic devices or childcare; English-language transcription and other language considerations; asynchronous access to materials; and ally skills training. These efforts enhance participant uptake and foster continued engagement. Graduates often return as mentors and become open research ambassadors, for example, many community members participated in the NASA TOPS curriculum development team. In 2024, OLS is also delivering training cohorts for NASA’s Open Science 101 curriculum. 

In this talk, we share recommendations for the genuine behavioural commitments and organizational changes needed to create inclusive open science spaces. We aim to steward a supportive and inclusive online community around open science, and demonstrate the alignment of our training initiatives with the incentives driving open science adoption.