Center for Open Science

R&D developing tools promoting open, reproducible scientific practices.

Charlottesville, USA
Founded 2013

Company Links

Industries

ScienceComputing

Funding

Philanthropically FundedGovernment Funded

Narrative

The Center for Open Science (COS) cultivated a scenius through a deeply ingrained ethos of collaborative problem-solving aimed at reforming scientific practices. COS's culture fostered innovation by prioritizing open research, transparent workflows, and the development of freely available tools. This approach was a direct response to systemic issues within the scientific community, including the replication crisis and lack of data sharing, effectively addressing a critical market failure in the production and dissemination of reliable knowledge.

Driven by a philosophical commitment to improving the trustworthiness and efficiency of research, COS embraced an interdisciplinary methodology, uniting researchers, developers, and community stakeholders. This holistic approach extended beyond technological development, encompassing advocacy, education, and community building, resulting in the creation of the Open Science Framework (OSF) and a suite of initiatives that actively promote open and reproducible research practices across diverse scientific disciplines.

Key People

  • Brian Nosek: Founder and Executive Director; Professor of Psychology at the University of Virginia, known for his work on reproducibility and transparency in scientific research.

  • Simine Vazire: Key Member; Professor of Psychology at the University of California, Davis; known for her research on personality and self-knowledge.

  • Jeffrey Spies: Key Member; Former Chief Technology Officer; played a significant role in developing the Center's infrastructure and technology.

  • Katie DeBiasse: Key Member; Currently Chief Technology Officer; leads the Center's technology strategy and development. (Note: Specific titles and roles evolve. Information may need updating periodically.)

Breakthroughs

  • Name: Open Science Framework (OSF)
    • Description: A web-based platform supporting the entire research workflow, promoting open, collaborative, and reproducible research.
    • Year: 2011 (launch)
  • Name: Registered Reports
    • Description: A publication model where studies are peer-reviewed before data collection, reducing publication bias.
    • Year: Early 2010s (concept and initial implementation)
  • Name: Various publications on open science practices, reproducibility, and research integrity.
    • Description: Articles, reports, and guidelines promoting best practices in research.
    • Year: Ongoing, since 2011.
  • Name: Center for Open Science's various initiatives and projects promoting reproducibility in specific fields (e.g., psychology).
    • Description: Collaborative efforts to increase transparency and reproducibility in research studies.
    • Year: Ongoing, since 2011.

Related Entities

  • Type of Relationship: Collaborated With

    • Name of Related Entity: Many universities and research institutions worldwide
    • Detail: COS works with numerous institutions on projects related to open science practices, data sharing, and research transparency.
  • Type of Relationship: Funded By

    • Name of Related Entity: Various foundations and government agencies
    • Detail: COS receives funding from organizations supporting open science initiatives.
  • Type of Relationship: Partnered With

    • Name of Related Entity: Numerous organizations promoting open science (e.g., Open Data Institute, various scholarly publishers)
    • Detail: COS actively engages in collaborations and partnerships with other organizations to advance the goals of open science.
  • Type of Relationship: Influenced By

    • Name of Related Entity: Open science movement
    • Detail: COS's mission and activities are directly driven by the broader open science movement's principles and goals.
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