August 3, 2023

Explore Open Science Together with NASA TOPS

Celebrate the 2023 NASA Space Apps Challenge theme with NASA TOPS

NASA Space Apps logo on the left with a line in the middle dividing the NASA TOPS logo on the right. Both logos are on top of a blue gradient background

In collaboration with NASA Transform to Open Science (TOPS), the 2023 NASA International Space Apps Challenge theme is “Explore Open Science Together.” This theme acknowledges 2023 as A Year of Open Science - as declared by NASA, the White House, and other Federal Agencies.

The NASA Space Apps Challenge is the largest annual global hackathon. Over the course of two days, participants collaborate across borders, sectors, and cultures and use open data from NASA and its Space Agency Partners to create solutions to real-world challenges on Earth and in space. NASA Space Apps provides opportunities for anyone, anywhere, to be a scientist that uses NASA and its Space Agency Partners’ free and open data.

By participating in this year’s NASA Space Apps Challenge you may choose to work with people you know or you don’t know to create solutions using NASA and its Space Agency Partners' open data. Open science practices will teach you how to work together, do science in a way that is inviting for others to join, and share your science with the world. No matter your circumstances or level of experience, the NASA Space Apps Challenge is your opportunity to build your network, learn skills, gain knowledge, and discover how collaboration inspires innovation.

Last year, NASA Space Apps Challenge teams created new ways to predict solar storms, mapped moonquakes, and used 3D printing to help support missions to Mars. This year, what will you do? Registration for the 2023 NASA Space Apps Challenge in-person and virtual events is now open through October 8, 2023!

What is Open Science?

Open science is the principle and practice of making scientific research available to all while respecting diverse cultures, maintaining security and privacy, and fostering collaborations, reproducibility, and equity. Traditionally, scientists learn how to work together and how to “do” science from their peers and mentors in formal environments like academia and industry. Open science practices ensure that everyone has the resources to participate and contribute to science.

To help teach scientists, researchers, and citizen scientists how to foster an open science environment, NASA TOPS is creating Open Science 101, expected to launch in late 2023. This in-person or online course shares ideas for how its participants can amplify their impact through the use of open science best practices such as building diverse, like-minded teams and methods for how to use, make, and share data, code, and results. Through five learning modules, Open Science 101 covers how to discover and access quality online resources, how to successfully communicate scientific findings, and how to format science in a way that others can incorporate into their research.

Ready to take your open science to the next level? Pre-enroll in Open Science 101 and learn alongside other Space Apps virtual participants by joining the Space Apps Open Science 101 group here.

NASA Space Apps and NASA TOPS welcomes anyone, anywhere, to join the Space Apps community! Register today and join us on October 7-8 for the 2023 NASA Space Apps Challenge.

Connect with #SpaceApps!
Twitter: @SpaceApps
Instagram: @nasa_spaceapps
Facebook: @spaceappschallenge
YouTube: @NASASpaceAppsChallenge