Powering Human-Centered Scientific Open Source

We support the people, projects, and practices that make scientific open-source software more reliable, inclusive, and sustainable.

Learn to create a Python package Volunteer

Current project

AI tools are reshaping scientific open source. We're studying how — and building what comes next.

In 2026, we’re studying how AI tools are reshaping scientific open source — and building community-validated guidance for using them intentionally and responsibly. Over the next six months, we’re collecting data from across the community to shape a shared path forward — so no maintainer has to figure this out alone.

Gen AI reminds us that the centerpiece of open source is building community around a specific problem. AI may add functionality — but it cannot replace the context and judgment of a diverse and engaged community."

— Eliot Robson, pyOpenSci Peer Review Lead

Our programs are community powered

Illustration for software peer review — person at a laptop with pyOpenSci branding.

We review Python packages with the goal of helping scientists build better, discoverable, and usable software. Accepted packages can be published in JOSS through our review process.

About peer review

pyOpenSci brings together researchers, core Python and conda developers, and data scientists from industry and universities to strengthen scientific open source. We partner with communities to share resources, knowledge, and processes like peer review.

Community partnerships

Beginner-friendly tutorials and a community Python packaging guide, co-developed with the broader Python ecosystem so the material stays accessible at every level.

Python packaging guide

Ready for review? Learn what we look for and how to submit your scientific Python package.

Author guide

Join reviewers who care about usability, docs, and maintainability — mentorship is available for your first review.

Reviewer guide

Workshops, cohort courses, sprints, and community calls — online and at conferences.

Browse events

Training

New cohort coming fall 2026

Ship It: Python Packaging in the Era of AI

A 10-day online course for researchers, academics, and RSEs — from working code to a published package.

Learn more

Broadening participation in scientific open source

Three people working at two computers during a PyCon USA sprint in 2023.

You don’t need to be an expert to get involved

Are you new to software peer review but you want to get involved? We’ve got you! We offer support and mentorship to new reviewers completing their first review.

Reviewers do not need to be Python packaging experts. We welcome reviewers who focus on software accessibility and usability.

Are you new to peer review? We offer a mentorship program for anyone interested in participating in peer review but who might like a bit of support.