Open Science Summer Institute (OSSI)
The George Washington University
Open Science Summer Institute (OSSI)
Bridging AI-Driven CS and Public Policy through Open Source Methodologies
Program Vision
The Open Science Summer Institute (OSSI) is a 10-week collaborative program designed to train the next generation of researchers in responsible, reproducible, and impactful scholarship. OSSI brings together students working on university-based research to address critical societal challenges by embedding Open Science principles and Open Source practices into AI-driven research. This initiative leverages open educational resources to maximize both research output and student development. Enrollment is open to all GW students interested in AI who are currently working on a university sponsored or independent research project. The program is free, entirely web based, and will be recorded for future viewing.
The AI Opportunity & the Open Science Imperative
Artificial Intelligence is radically transforming the pace and scope of research. OSSI prepares students for this new reality by focusing on:
- AI-Enabled Methodology: Training students to use AI tools (e.g., automated coding, large-scale data synthesis, predictive modeling) ethically and effectively to accelerate the research lifecycle.
- Open Source as Policy Impact: In an era where "black box" algorithms can influence research in unpredictable ways, OSSI commits to Open Source software development and Open Science workflows. This ensures other researchers, the public, and policymakers can audit, understand, and reproduce research findings, driving greater trust and civic impact.
Core Objectives
- Develop Interdisciplinary "Translators": Train students who can fluently navigate both technical algorithm design and regulatory/ethical frameworks.
- Standardize Modern Research Workflows: Institute a baseline training for all students in reproducible methods, digital scholarship, and open documentation.
- Build the Research Pipeline: Establish an informal, open education resource for undergraduate and graduate students looking to move into competitive AI jobs or graduate programs.
OSSI Curriculum: The Open Science Toolbox
Participants will engage in a weekly Research Excellence Seminar, a common syllabus including:
- The AI Advantage: Responsible use of Generative AI and LLMs in literature reviews and data analysis.
- Reproducible Research: Workflows for version control (GitHub), documentation, and data representation.
- AI in Practice: Translating algorithmic models into white papers, regulatory briefs, and open-access publications.
Program Details
Led by the George Washington Institute of Public Policy (GWIPP), OSSI is a 10 week program open to all GW students and alumni. Members of multiple departments will lead weekly seminars to provide interdisciplinary context to AI research. PIs and independent study students of all levels are welcome to join, but we encourage students who are part of sponsored research groups investigating the use of AI in research to join.
The Institute begins on Friday May 29th, 2026 at 11am as a zoom meeting with additional meetings at the same day/time through the summer. The program culminates on July 31st with a digital symposium where participants can share their work and receive feedback from peers and mentors as well as support for those looking to publish their work.
Registration
Registration is limited to those with a valid GWID and @gwu.edu email address. Please use the link below to register.
Session materials
https://laiser.gwu.edu/open-science-summer-institute-ossi-session-materials