NRNB Mentoring Organization

NRNB is proud to be participating in Google Summer of Code! If you are a newcomer to open source and interested in applying, see our ideas list:



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Google Summer of Code is a global, online program focused on bringing new contributors into open source software development. GSoC Contributors work with an open source organization on a programming project under the guidance of mentors. Since its start in 2005, the program has brought together thousands of open source contributors and mentors from over 112 countries worldwide.

The National Resource for Network Biology (NRNB) is organizing the joint efforts of Cytoscape, SBML, PathwayCommons and other network biology tools. This is a great opportunity to work at the intersection of biology and computing! We take mentoring seriously and are proud of our 96% success rate with former contributors and projects. But don't take our word for it, read testimonials from prior NRNB contributors and mentors, and success story profiles.

The success of our mentoring program depends on dedicated mentors, great project ideas, amazing contributors, and effective fundraising. Please contact us with ideas or leads on potential corporate sponsors or use the PayPal widget below to make your own tax deductible donation.

This is a tax deductible donation to a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization,
The Cytoscape Consoritum, Tax ID: 20-4909879.

GSoC

  • Find a project.
  • Start with this Google Doc template. Copy and paste the contents into your own Google Doc and begin filling it out.
  • Get in contact with your potential mentors (listed per project) as soon as possible to get input and feedback on your application.
  • Submit your application well before the deadline (2025: April 8 18:00 UTC). Late submissions will NOT be considered.

If you are selected

  • You be working with a small, active group of programmers that also speak biology
  • You will be gaining experience in a rapidly evolving field that interfaces computer and biological sciences
  • You might make more than you would mowing lawns!

NRNB Academy

NRNB Academy is our year-round mentoring program, open to anyone at any age or education level. You will be paired with a mentor and particular project that matches your interests and skills.

NRNB Academy is currently closed for enrollment until the conclusion of GSoC.

Timeline

  • 27 February: Accepted mentoring organizations announced
  • 24 March: GSoC contributor application period opens
  • 8 April: GSoC contributor application deadline
  • 2 June: Coding begins
  • 1 September: Coding ends for standard coding period
  • 10 November: Final date for all GSoC contributors
  • Complete Program Timeline

Policy Notice

  • As of 2024, projects are defined as either small (90 hours), medium (175 hours) or large (350 hours), spanning a minimum of 10 weeks, and up to 22 weeks.
  • Eligibility has been expanded to include all open source beginners and students 18 years or older, no longer focusing solely on university students
  • A person can only participate a maximum of 2 times as a GSoC contributor in their lifetime.
  • GSoC contributors must submit their code before the mentor can complete their final evaluation of the work.
  • No mentor stipends: org payments will be reserved by NRNB to fund activities such as NRNB Academy.
  • Organizations who do not complete all contributor and mentor evaluations will lose their mentor summit invitations and travel stipends.
  • GSoC contributors cannot apply to a project/group that they are already in a mentoring program with.

Communication

For GSoC Contributors

For GSoC Mentors

Prior Year Reports

Other Opportunities

Outside of GSoC, consider these other opportunties:
  • NRNB Academy -- Currently closed for GSoC. Open to anyone at any age or education level, with ongoing enrollment most of the year. You will be paired with a mentor and particular project that matches your interests and skills.
  • TEALS -- Microsoft Philanthropies supports many opportunities for high school students. Check out this page for details.