The UC OSPO Network launched in May 2024 enabled by a grant from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.
Community¶
Our Mission¶
We strive to create a robust, interconnected network of Open Source Program Offices (OSPOs) throughout the UC system. Our goal is to foster innovation, promote knowledge sharing, and establish best practices for open-source software development and usage.
Why a Network Approach?¶
The UC OSPO Network leverages the unique strengths and expertise of each participating campus, resulting in:
Enhanced Collaboration: Multiple campuses working together to develop, test, and refine solutions
Broader Applicability: Outcomes that extend beyond individual campuses
Shared Resources: Distributed workload and shared knowledge across network nodes
Simultaneous Innovation: Multiple projects and thematic activities developed concurrently
Our Impact¶
As the first system-wide OSPO network in a large university system, we are setting a new standard for open-source initiatives in academia. Our success will:
Demonstrate the value of a networked approach to supporting open-source
Serve as a model for other university systems
Create expectations for widespread adoption of OSPOs in academic institutions
Key Initiatives¶
Developing an open-source repository browser
Creating curriculum and resource repositories
Organizing hackathons and competitions
Promoting open-source sustainability and best practices
Joining the Network¶
Whether you’ve just heard about the UC OSPO Network or you’ve been curious for a while, we’re glad you’re here.
The UC OSPO Network is open to all UC-affiliated institutions—campuses, labs (such as Lawrence Berkeley National Lab), the California Digital Library (CDL), and other UC entities. Some of our member institutions have formal Open Source Program Offices; others have individuals or teams who champion open source work in various roles. Both are welcome.
Getting involved is a community-first process. Here’s a quick overview:
For more detail on each step, see Get Involved.
Contact Us¶
Community Manager: Laura Langdon (if you’re not sure who to talk to about something, talk to Laura! 😊)
Campus contacts:
Berkeley
For questions related to the UCB OSPO, contact Jarrod Millman
Send an email to ospo+subscribe@lists.berkeley.edu to join the UCB OSPO mailing list
Davis
For questions related to the UCD OSPO, contact davis-ospo@ucdavis.edu
Click here to join the UCD OSPO mailing list
Los Angeles
For questions related to the UCLA OSPO, contact Tim Dennis
Click here to join the UCLA OSPO mailing list
San Diego
For questions related to the UCSD OSPO, contact David Minor
Santa Barbara
For questions related to the UCSB OSPO, contact Amber Budden
Click here to join the UCSB OSPO mailing list
Santa Cruz
For questions related to the UCSC OSPO, contact Stephanie Lieggi
Click here to join the UCSC OSPO mailing list
If you don’t see your campus listed above contact Laura for more details about how the network can help you.