Introducing the rOpenSci Champions Program
This is an exciting moment for the open science community as we unveil the newest cohort of rOpenSci Champions. This initiative focuses on enhancing open science and research software development, particularly emphasizing Spanish-speaking participants. The diverse projects that these champions will undertake aim to tackle genuine challenges across various academic disciplines and regions in Latin America, underscoring the importance of inclusive research practices. As the rOpenSci Champions embark on their journeys, they will not only develop R packages but also engage in a community of learning and collaboration. Each champion brings a unique perspective, showcasing a remarkable blend of academic and practical expertise. Here’s a closer look at what some of these talented individuals will be working on.Meet the Champions
Bastián Olea Herrera
Bastián, a sociologist from Chile, focuses on data analysis within the public sector. He’s on a mission to create a package that simplifies the handling of community and regional data, reflecting common challenges in data cleaning across different sources. His initiative aims to cultivate a collaborative R user community in Santiago, fostering mutual growth and learning.
Denisse Fierro Arcos
Originally from Ecuador, Denisse is currently pursuing a PhD in Australia. Her research addresses climate change impacts on marine ecosystems. For the Champions Program, she plans to develop and share an R package that will make it easier for marine researchers to apply her oceanographic models in their studies.
Durga Valentina Linares Herrera
In Lima, Peru, Durga is engaged in research at the Universidad del Pacífico, exploring technology’s interplay with labor markets. Determined to enhance accessibility to labor data, she's developing an R package that streamlines the process of downloading, analyzing, and interpreting employment data, aiming to support researchers with minimal technical backgrounds.
Evelia Lorena Coss Navarrete
Evelia is a postdoctoral researcher specializing in bioinformatics, particularly in studying lupus at the single-cell level. She aspires to enhance local bioinformatics communities and produce R packages with global standards, contributing substantially to both research and education across Mexico and Latin America.
Gladys Choque Ulloa
Gladys is making strides in computational neuroscience in Brazil and is the founder of Women in DataLab, an initiative aimed at reducing the gender gap in tech. Her goal as an rOpenSci Champion is to develop R tools and enhance collaborative practices among Latin American researchers, reinforcing the importance of open science.
José Daniel Conejeros Pavez
José Daniel merges his expertise in statistics and public health to tackle complex challenges in infectious disease dynamics. His focus is on a new package that ensures data privacy while allowing thorough analyses, aiming to address organizational and cultural barriers to open science implementation.
Linda Cabrera Orellana
Currently in Spain, Linda works in digital marketing and education, focusing on AI and data visualization. Her project aims to create an educational R package that helps users identify and correct data errors, promoting data literacy particularly among those with limited technical background.
María Florencia Tames
Based in Argentina, María Florencia researches air quality and its socioeconomic impacts. Her objective is to refine her existing AirExposure R package, ensuring it's user-friendly and beneficial for the broader community, especially in addressing environmental health issues.
Marina Cecilia Cock
Marina, from Argentina, specializes in ecology and plans to engage deeply with the review process of R packages. Through this program, she aims to enhance her R skills and contribute knowledge to her students and peers in the academic community.
Patricia Andrea Loto
Patricia is pursuing both a career in software development and a PhD, focusing on open science. She’s developing a package that standardizes data and software management plans to promote best practices and enhanced visibility for research from the Global South.
Estefania Torrejón
Based in Portugal, Estefania works at a metabolic diseases lab and is developing an R package for bioinformatics applications focusing on extracellular vesicles. This tool aims to help researchers prioritize molecules critical in cellular communication, filling a notable gap in the current bioinformatics landscape.
Next Steps for the Champions
As these champions kick off their 12-month program, they will not only create new R packages but also improve existing ones through the peer review process while engaging in community-building activities. Their progress will be documented on various platforms, allowing wider access to their findings and tools.
For those interested in following along and learning about their work, keep an eye on our blog and social media updates—a chance to witness how commitment to open science can lead to impactful tools and collaborations.