We are pleased to announce the opening of a new call for applications for the rOpenSci Champions program in Spanishwhich starts in 2026. We accept applications from January 12, 2026 and until February 20, 2026 for both the role of Champion as well as Mentor.
As in the previous cohort, the 2026 program is being developed entirely in Spanish and will be a regional focus on Latin America with the aim of further strengthening research and open science software in this region.
Key dates of the 2026 call
The Community call participation will take place on January 21 Champions and mentors from previous cohorts. They share their experiences and answer questions about the program, and we invite you to participate! See the recording of last year’s event.
We’ll have one in February application clinic. It is an open space where you can get help in filling the application form, resolve doubts and get direct guidance from the program team.
What is the Champions Program?
This program aims to identify, support and recognize people who are already leading, or want to go further, in building open science and sustainable research software communities.
By means of 12 months the selected persons 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 for 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 communication, and sharing of experiences and strengthening regional networks.
The program also offers a stipend to recognize participants’ time and work for those who complete the program and a certificate of participation.
Who is it intended for?
Champions
Potential champions are people who:
- Comes from or lives and works 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;
- Being 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;
- You have relevant mentoring experience;
- Have an interest in guiding others, sharing experiences and actively contributing to the growth of the program;
- Being 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:
- Have the opportunity to develop or enhance a research software project under expert guidance.
- Being part of a regional network of people who are committed to open science and open software.
- Acquiring technical tools and leadership skills in the community.
- Get support to share your work and experiences with your community or institution and at regional and international events.
- Actively contribute to a more diverse, sustainable and inclusive open software ecosystem.
How to apply?
Applications are made via online forms:
These forms are also available on the website program website.
The forms must be completed in Spanish. You can also find more information about the requirements for Champions And Mentorsas well as answers to frequently asked questions.
Read more about our work
On our Championship Program website you can find the detailed activity schedule and complete information about the program, as well 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 the application clinic in February, or contact our Community Manager.
We look forward to receiving your applications with great enthusiasm! We want to continue building community in Latin America with you.
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