NASA Open Science Training 2026: Free Online Courses, Certificate and How to Apply

Overview

NASA Open Science Training is a set of free online courses that teach how research can be made more transparent, accessible, collaborative and reproducible. NASA defines open science as a collaborative culture, enabled by technology, that encourages sharing of data, information and knowledge within the scientific community and with the public. The training is a learning and professional development opportunity rather than a competitive programme, and it is not a university degree or formal qualification.

What you get

Two courses are offered. Open Science Essentials is a standalone introduction of about two hours, covering the meaning and benefits of open science, open data, open peer review, FAIR principles, data management plans, open-source software, open licensing, repositories, version control, preregistration and the role of artificial intelligence in open science.

Open Science 101 is a five-module course of about 12 hours. The modules cover open science fundamentals; tools and practices, including the Use, Make, Share framework and FAIR principles; open data; open code; and open results and collaboration, including ethical contributor guidelines, publishing and crediting contributions. Public learners can study at their own pace with progress saved between sessions. Successful learners are eligible for a certificate and a digital badge.

Who can apply

The courses are open to the public, so participants do not need to work for NASA. They suit university and graduate students, researchers, early-career scientists, research managers, academics, data professionals and anyone interested in open research, from any discipline.

How to apply

External learners create an account on the NASA Open Science Training page and register for either Open Science Essentials or Open Science 101. There is no application deadline.