Open call for the rOpenSci Champions Program 2026!

Read it in: Español.

We are pleased to announce the opening of a new call for applications for the rOpenSci Champions Program in Spanish, which will begin in 2026. We will be accepting applications beginning in January 12, 2026 and until February 20, 2026 for both the roles of Champion as well as Mentor.

As in the previous cohort, the 2026 program will be developed entirely in Spanish and will have a regional focus on Latin America with the objective of further strengthening the research and open science software in this region.

Key dates of the 2026 call

• Opening of the call: Monday, January 12, 2026
• Community Call: Research Software in Latin America Wednesday, January 21, 2026. In Spanish
• Application Clinic: Thursday, February 5, 2026
• Closing date: Friday, February 20, 2026

The Community Call on January 21 will feature the participation of Champions and Mentors from previous cohorts. They will share their experiences and answer questions about the program, and we invite you to join us! See the recording of last year’s event.

During February we will hold one application clinic. It is an open space where you will be able to receive help to complete the application form, resolve doubts and receive direct guidance from the program team.

What is the Champions Program?

This program seeks to identify, support and recognize people who are already leading, or who want to take a step further, in building open science and sustainable research software communities.

Throughout 12 months the selected individuals will participate in:

• An initial cohort-based training of 13 2-hour workshops.
• The development of a research software project: creation of a new R package, submission of an existing R package to rOpenSci peer review, or as part of a team of reviewers of other R packages.
• 1-on-1 mentoring and cohort events.
• Leading community building activities, outreach and communications, and exchange of experiences and strengthening of regional networks.

The program also offers a stipend to recognize the time and work of participants for those who complete the program and a certificate of participation.

Who is it for?

Champions

Potential Champions are people who:

• Are from or live and work in Latin America;
• Use R and have previous experience in software development, reproducible analysis or open science;
• Are interested in developing an open research software project and strengthening their local or regional communities;
• Are able to communicate effectively in Spanish (oral and written);
• Accept our Code of Conduct;
• Commit to participating in the program activities organized for Champions during these 12 months.

Mentors

Potential Mentors are people who:

• Have experience developing, maintaining or contributing to R packages (ideally within the rOpenSci ecosystem, although this is not required);
• Have participated in software peer review processes;
• Have relevant mentoring experience;
• Have an interest in mentoring others, sharing experiences and actively contributing to the growth of the program;
• Are able to communicate effectively in Spanish (oral and written);
• Accept our Code of Conduct;
• Commit to participating in the program activities organized for mentors during these 12 months.

Why participate?

Being part of the rOpenSci Champions Program means:

• Having the opportunity to develop or strengthen a research software project with expert accompaniment.
• Being part of a regional network of people committed to open science and open software.
• Acquiring technical tools and community leadership skills.
• Receiving support to share your work and experiences with your community or institution and at regional and international events.
• Actively contributing to a more diverse, sustainable and inclusive open software ecosystem.

How to apply?

Applications will be made through online forms:

• Complete this form to apply to become a Champion
• Complete this form to apply to become a Mentor,

These forms are also available on the program website.

The forms must be completed in Spanish. On the program’s website you will also find more details regarding the requirements for Champions and Mentors, as well as answers to frequently asked questions.

Learn more about our work

On our Champion’s Program website you can find the detailed schedule of activities and the complete information of the program, as well as projects carried out by previous cohorts and the other types of activities carried out by the participants.

If you have any questions, we invite you to participate in the Community Call in January, join us in the application clinic in February, or contact our Community Manager.

We look forward to your applications with great enthusiasm! We want to continue building community in Latin America together with you.