Tampa Bay Estuary Program Open Science Workshop 

An Open Science (OS) framework allows for transparency, reproducibility, and efficiency in the synthesis and workflow of information from data collection to management decision-making.

This workshop (agenda available here) is intended to help foster trust and an appreciation for how the OS framework can accelerate collaboration, research, and improve environmental decision-making. The workshop will include: 1) background information on the OS framework, its value to the research community, and the current state of indicators established for Tampa Bay, 2) an example of the application of Open Science to a Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP) indicator, and 3) an opportunity to work with colleagues to learn about the creation of basic Open Science structure. 

Specific technologies given extra attention will include Github for collaborative coding and libraries using the R scientific programming language such as Rmarkdown for reporting, Shiny for interactive applications, leaflet for mapping and the tidyverse of packages for data manipulation.

A common theme for the workshop is how Open Science tools can effectively bridge the research-management divide by improving how we translate science to a broader audience through measuring and reporting on social and environmental change resulting from implementation of the CCMP. Several monitoring objectives and indicators have been established or are being developed to assess the regions progress in fostering environmental recovery, restoration and community awareness and engagement. The indicators are intended to convey progress toward meeting CCMP goals and objectives, and to assess the status and trends of the Bay’s ecosystems and communities. A Monitoring and Indicators Plan was included in the 2017 CCMP Update to track a series of parameters addressing water quality, habitat, and fish and wildlife resources. A critical goal of this workshop will be identification of the most important needs of the TBEP partners that can be provided by Open Science tools. 

There is no registration fee for this event, however, the attendees will be responsible for lunch on both days. Multiple restaurants are within walking or driving distance.

Registration will be capped at 75 people.

This event is not a St. Petersburg College-sponsored activity.