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About CORES

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Nearly every domain of intellectual pursuit is being revolutionized by the availability of large datasets, powerful computational algorithms, and enormous computing power, spanning from the physical, biomedical, social sciences to the arts and humanities. As these resources are increasingly used to influence public policy and medical practice, it is essential that the field of data science stands at the forefront of the ongoing movement towards increased transparency and reproducibility in scientific research, known widely under the umbrella of “Open Science”. Open Science practices have emerged at different rates across different scientific communities, but at present remain largely within the domain of innovators and early adopters. In order to have a broad impact on the transparency and reproducibility of science, we will engage the “early majority” to disseminate these practices into the everyday lives of researchers across the university and ultimately across the world.

The SDS Center for Open and REproducible Science will build on the existing engagement of many Stanford scholars on topics related to our core issues at the heart of the integrity and public credibility of science.

Our Values

  1. Transparency and openness: the products of scientific research (including data, code, and publications) should be shared as openly as possible.
  2. Reproducibility: Scientific practices should prioritize rigor and reproducibility, even when they conflict with other considerations or incentives.
  3. Diversity and inclusion: The scientific process should be open to all, and diversity within the scientific community should be both pursued and celebrated.
  4. Community-mindedness: Scientists should coordinate and cooperate rather than compete.

To achieve our objectives, the Center will work with faculty, students, postdocs, and staff across the Stanford community to develop and implement a strategy to engage and train researchers in open science practices. To do this, we will host events including lectures, workshops, office hours, and hackathons. In parallel, we will generate a practical guide to implementing open science practices. To broaden our reach beyond Stanford, we will work closely with leaders in the global open science movement to integrate and align our activities, building on our existing engagement in this community.

The ultimate goal of the Center is to develop a strategy for Openness By Design at Stanford that can become a “gold standard” that can be emulated by institutions around the world.