Open Science at NASA

Data Management Policies for BPS (Biological and Physical Sciences)

To increase scientific research throughput and the transparency of government funded research, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) seeks to transform the collection, archival/preservation, curation, and distribution of science data. These changes are intended to shift the conduct of NASA-sponsored research towards an “Open Science” framework, one in which all information necessary to support scientific reasoning are easily accessed by and precisely communicated to other researchers, and to the public. To that end, the Science Mission Directorate (SMD) has issued new policies as described in the Scientific Information Policy for the Science Mission Directorate (SMD Policy Document SPD-41a).

The Biological and Physical Sciences (BPS) division of SMD, has further specified the SPD-41a polices in the BPS Scientific Data Management Policy (BPS-021). Guidance and aids on implementing these data management policies are found at the following locations:

• Space Biology Open Science-Data Management Plan (OS-DMP) Template and Guidance
• ROSES Open Science and Data Management Plan
• NASA Science Mission Directorate: Open-Source Science Guidance

TOPS (Transform to Open Science) – What is Open Science?

On 11 January 2023, the US White House-joined by 10 federal agencies, a coalition of more than 85 universities and other organizations-declared 2023 to be a Year of Open Science! The United States government defines open science as “the principle and practice of making research products and processes available to all, while respecting diverse cultures, maintaining security and privacy, and fostering collaborations, reproducibility, and equity.”

We believe that open science-opening the scientific process from idea and inception to result-increases access to knowledge and expands opportunities for participation. Sharing data, code, results, and knowledge associated with the scientific process enables more inclusive, diverse and equitable participation in science, while also leading to more transparent, replicable, and reproducible results. But achieving this openness requires changing how we work, to help us move forward together.

How will NASA implement Open Science?

NASA’s Transform to Open Science (TOPS), a NASA Open-Source Science Initiative, is designed to transform agencies, organizations, and communities to an inclusive culture of open science. TOPS’s priority is to develop the infrastructure to train scientists and researchers as part of a 5-year program. The open science curriculum will introduce those beginning their open science journey to important definitions, tools, and resources; and provide participants at all levels recommendations on best practices.

Open Science 101 Curriculum Overview

On 6 December 2023, NASA’s TOPS initiative unveiled Open Science 101 (OS101), a comprehensive 5-module training program tailored for scientists and researchers to equip professionals at all career stages with the necessary tools and resources to engage in open science practices. OS101, a community-developed 5-module course, is now accessible as a self-paced online program and through instructor-led virtual and in-person training.

Enroll now to partake in the OS101 training.

Effective 2023, all ROSES solicitations for NASA SMD funding mandate an Open Science and Data Management Plan. OS101 serves as a preparatory resource, guiding researchers to craft these plans and foster open and collaborative scientific environments.

More information

Interested in joining the TOPS community? Consider subscribing to the TOPS monthly newsletter about upcoming open science events and announcements. Want to learn more? Visit the TOPS github page.

	Stay connected with the NASA Open Science Data Repository: