OpenSourceMalaria:FAQ: Difference between revisions
Matthew Todd (talk | contribs) (started it up) |
Matthew Todd (talk | contribs) (added line breaks) |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
{{OpenSourceMalaria}} | {{OpenSourceMalaria}} | ||
'''What is Open Source Malaria?''' | '''What is Open Source Malaria?'''<br> | ||
It’s about finding, improving and bringing to market new medicines, using a process governed by a set of six rules, the most important of which are: | It’s about finding, improving and bringing to market new medicines, using a process governed by a set of six rules, the most important of which are: | ||
| Line 8: | Line 8: | ||
3) There are no patents<br> | 3) There are no patents<br> | ||
'''Who is it?''' | '''Who is it?'''<br> | ||
It’s a consortium of people interested in working in this way - some people are driving projects full-time, others come along to do one thing if they can. It’s a nimble network, always changing. It’s not a standard organization with a set of employees - you get the idea of who it is by the people who are most actively contributing. | It’s a consortium of people interested in working in this way - some people are driving projects full-time, others come along to do one thing if they can. It’s a nimble network, always changing. It’s not a standard organization with a set of employees - you get the idea of who it is by the people who are most actively contributing. | ||
'''Where did it come from?''' | '''Where did it come from?'''<br> | ||
The start was a project supported by the Medicines for Malaria Venture and the Australian Government. | The start was a project supported by the Medicines for Malaria Venture and the Australian Government. | ||
'''Where is it?''' | '''Where is it?'''<br> | ||
On the web. Real labs and people from all over the world take part and contribute, but the web is where it all comes together. | On the web. Real labs and people from all over the world take part and contribute, but the web is where it all comes together. | ||
'''Are you in India?''' | '''Are you in India?'''<br> | ||
There is a project called Open Source Drug Discovery in India, but this works in a slightly different way. Eventually everything will probably unify, but Open Source Malaria is not associated with a particular geographical area or group. If you operate according to the rules above, you can say you're part of it. If you don't, you can't. | There is a project called Open Source Drug Discovery in India, but this works in a slightly different way. Eventually everything will probably unify, but Open Source Malaria is not associated with a particular geographical area or group. If you operate according to the rules above, you can say you're part of it. If you don't, you can't. | ||
'''Do I need to pay anything?''' | '''Do I need to pay anything?'''<br> | ||
No. | No. | ||
'''What can I do?''' | '''What can I do?'''<br> | ||
Anything you like. You can contribute to existing projects or you can start one of your own. Most of the work needed is experimental chemistry and biology. There's a lot of informatics needed. There's also writing, data management, publicity, web design and mentorship - all crucial. | Anything you like. You can contribute to existing projects or you can start one of your own. Most of the work needed is experimental chemistry and biology. There's a lot of informatics needed. There's also writing, data management, publicity, web design and mentorship - all crucial. | ||
'''Can I be anonymous?''' | '''Can I be anonymous?'''<br> | ||
Definitely. It helps if you can do this as a named individual, so you can bring your reputation with you. It helps if you can bring your organization with your name, but it’s not essential. | Definitely. It helps if you can do this as a named individual, so you can bring your reputation with you. It helps if you can bring your organization with your name, but it’s not essential. | ||
'''Will you spam me with email?''' | '''Will you spam me with email?'''<br> | ||
No. It’s really not that kind of a thing. | No. It’s really not that kind of a thing. | ||
'''What diseases are you targeting?''' | '''What diseases are you targeting?'''<br> | ||
We (you and us now that you're reading this) are currently targeting malaria. There is another branch called Open Source TB (coming soon). | We (you and us now that you're reading this) are currently targeting malaria. There is another branch called Open Source TB (coming soon). | ||
'''Who pays for all this?''' | '''Who pays for all this?'''<br> | ||
Open source drug discovery and development is not free. Money (cash or in-kind) is needed for some things, such as experiments, labs, chemicals. At the moment this is coming from governments, NGOs and companies. Contributions can be of various sorts - universities have supported students contributing to these projects, for example. Companies have contributed experimental resources and peoples’ time, such as running an assay. Many people have given time in order to solve scientific problems and be named on publications, such as consultants who guide the science. It’s not free, but it’s about as efficient with resources as it’s possible to get because there’s no duplication of effort, people don’t need to travel, and people are only part of the project when they contribute. | Open source drug discovery and development is not free. Money (cash or in-kind) is needed for some things, such as experiments, labs, chemicals. At the moment this is coming from governments, NGOs and companies. Contributions can be of various sorts - universities have supported students contributing to these projects, for example. Companies have contributed experimental resources and peoples’ time, such as running an assay. Many people have given time in order to solve scientific problems and be named on publications, such as consultants who guide the science. It’s not free, but it’s about as efficient with resources as it’s possible to get because there’s no duplication of effort, people don’t need to travel, and people are only part of the project when they contribute. | ||
'''There’s too much stuff here - I don’t understand.''' | '''There’s too much stuff here - I don’t understand.'''<br> | ||
It can look difficult before you dive in. Start with the project status. Browse the latest posts. Look at the To Do list. If you’re still not sure, ask a question. | It can look difficult before you dive in. Start with the project status. Browse the latest posts. Look at the To Do list. If you’re still not sure, ask a question. | ||
'''I feel dumb asking this but…''' | '''I feel dumb asking this but…'''<br> | ||
Don’t. Just ask away. If you think that something’s missing from this page, you can add it yourself, below. | Don’t. Just ask away. If you think that something’s missing from this page, you can add it yourself, below. | ||
'''How about getting students involved?''' | '''How about getting students involved?'''<br> | ||
Definitely. Open projects need large cohorts of students to get involved in doing experimental science. If you’re a teacher or university demonstrator, get in touch on a discussion board. Open Source Malaria has already had inputs from individual students and whole undergraduate cohorts. Much much more of this is needed. | Definitely. Open projects need large cohorts of students to get involved in doing experimental science. If you’re a teacher or university demonstrator, get in touch on a discussion board. Open Source Malaria has already had inputs from individual students and whole undergraduate cohorts. Much much more of this is needed. | ||
'''I’m retired and don’t have access to a lab. What can I do?''' | '''I’m retired and don’t have access to a lab. What can I do?'''<br> | ||
A huge amount. You’re needed! Advice, mentorship and experience are an essential component of science. Open projects need senior people with experience to advise on whether the project is on the right track. As an example, you might want to sign up for an hour a week to advise an undergraduate research project, which would mean checking data and advising on what to do next. | A huge amount. You’re needed! Advice, mentorship and experience are an essential component of science. Open projects need senior people with experience to advise on whether the project is on the right track. As an example, you might want to sign up for an hour a week to advise an undergraduate research project, which would mean checking data and advising on what to do next. | ||
'''I’m a student. What can I do?''' | '''I’m a student. What can I do?'''<br> | ||
If you are a graduate student, how about making a molecule on the weekend, or as part of your studies (you must talk about this with your advisor and follow local safety procedures). If you’re an undergraduate, talk to your lab director about contributing as part of your major. If you’re in school, talk to your teacher and ask him or her to get in touch with the project. All students can get involved, do real research and maybe publish papers! If you see something in the project related to your studies, maybe you could do some experiments and share those. | If you are a graduate student, how about making a molecule on the weekend, or as part of your studies (you must talk about this with your advisor and follow local safety procedures). If you’re an undergraduate, talk to your lab director about contributing as part of your major. If you’re in school, talk to your teacher and ask him or her to get in touch with the project. All students can get involved, do real research and maybe publish papers! If you see something in the project related to your studies, maybe you could do some experiments and share those. | ||
'''I’m not a scientist, how can I help?''' | '''I’m not a scientist, how can I help?'''<br> | ||
You’re needed. There are technical things that are needed, in data management. But there are lots of writing tasks needed that are non-technical. And there is a lot of PR and advocacy that is needed to make things run. Web designers and software engineers are needed in a huge variety of roles. | You’re needed. There are technical things that are needed, in data management. But there are lots of writing tasks needed that are non-technical. And there is a lot of PR and advocacy that is needed to make things run. Web designers and software engineers are needed in a huge variety of roles. | ||
'''I’ve a project I want to do''' | '''I’ve a project I want to do'''<br> | ||
Great. You’ll need to post data in the lab notebooks, and a project description/status on the wiki. If you’re happy to do that, get in touch and someone will guide you, or you can just mimic what you see already. | Great. You’ll need to post data in the lab notebooks, and a project description/status on the wiki. If you’re happy to do that, get in touch and someone will guide you, or you can just mimic what you see already. | ||
'''I used to work on a project that has kind of died''' | '''I used to work on a project that has kind of died'''<br> | ||
Perfect - making it open is the way to keep it alive! Post data, project status, and highlight what you'd do next. You might find someone wants to work with you. Open Source Malaria is intended to act as a repository of projects. | Perfect - making it open is the way to keep it alive! Post data, project status, and highlight what you'd do next. You might find someone wants to work with you. Open Source Malaria is intended to act as a repository of projects. | ||
'''Do I need to sign up?''' | '''Do I need to sign up?'''<br> | ||
Not really. The lab books can be used with a Google or OpenID login (there’s a guide on how to post things). The social media platforms can be used with your existing accounts. To add to the wiki you’d need a login, yes, but it’s very easy. To use the very useful To Do list (i.e. to post stuff that needs doing, or contribute there) you’ll need to sign up for Github, but that’s very easy and non-spammy. There’s a little guide for that too. | Not really. The lab books can be used with a Google or OpenID login (there’s a guide on how to post things). The social media platforms can be used with your existing accounts. To add to the wiki you’d need a login, yes, but it’s very easy. To use the very useful To Do list (i.e. to post stuff that needs doing, or contribute there) you’ll need to sign up for Github, but that’s very easy and non-spammy. There’s a little guide for that too. | ||
'''I love open innovation!''' | '''I love open innovation!'''<br> | ||
That’s great. But that’s different. In open source you agree to share everything with everyone as you’re doing it. In open innovation you can work in small teams and keep secrets. These are not compatible. | That’s great. But that’s different. In open source you agree to share everything with everyone as you’re doing it. In open innovation you can work in small teams and keep secrets. These are not compatible. | ||
'''I love open access!''' | '''I love open access!'''<br> | ||
That’s great. Being able to read papers is important. Open source is different, though, and is about how we do the research in the first place, not about how we read the papers that come out of it. | That’s great. Being able to read papers is important. Open source is different, though, and is about how we do the research in the first place, not about how we read the papers that come out of it. | ||
'''Are you only doing tropical diseases?''' | '''Are you only doing tropical diseases?'''<br> | ||
The focus is on malaria and there's a separate space for TB (coming soon), because there is more obvious market failure there (little ''profit''). But maybe we should all try this in other areas where the failure is based on ''risk'' - like cancer and Alzheimer’s. This more general idea, open source pharma, is just now gaining momentum, but the underlying ideas of radical openness for global health are the same. | The focus is on malaria and there's a separate space for TB (coming soon), because there is more obvious market failure there (little ''profit''). But maybe we should all try this in other areas where the failure is based on ''risk'' - like cancer and Alzheimer’s. This more general idea, open source pharma, is just now gaining momentum, but the underlying ideas of radical openness for global health are the same. | ||
'''If we release everything we’re doing, how can we patent things?''' | '''If we release everything we’re doing, how can we patent things?'''<br> | ||
We don’t. There are no patents - there can’t be. So we will need to find solutions to covering the costs of bringing drugs to market by rethinking how we do that. For many tropical diseases, governments and NGOs can cover these costs if the right drug candidates can be found. Future profits derive from a healthy population. | We don’t. There are no patents - there can’t be. So we will need to find solutions to covering the costs of bringing drugs to market by rethinking how we do that. For many tropical diseases, governments and NGOs can cover these costs if the right drug candidates can be found. Future profits derive from a healthy population. | ||
'''Why can’t I just take everything you’re doing and patent it?''' | '''Why can’t I just take everything you’re doing and patent it?'''<br> | ||
If you can, go right ahead. The license for everything is CC-BY, meaning you can use whatever you want for any reason, including to make money, provided you cite the project. If you can justify a patent, you’re free to do so. If you make a million, you might like to consider a little kickback. | If you can, go right ahead. The license for everything is CC-BY, meaning you can use whatever you want for any reason, including to make money, provided you cite the project. If you can justify a patent, you’re free to do so. If you make a million, you might like to consider a little kickback. | ||
'''Why can’t I take what you’re doing and work on it in secret?''' | '''Why can’t I take what you’re doing and work on it in secret?'''<br> | ||
You can do that. You lose the efficiency gains of working with smart people, and you lose the joy joy feelings of doing so. | You can do that. You lose the efficiency gains of working with smart people, and you lose the joy joy feelings of doing so. | ||
'''Are you Communists?''' | '''Are you Communists?'''<br> | ||
No. Open source works by an open arena where anyone can do anything and the best contributions will tend to survive. It’s ''meritocratic'' - the people who do the most or the best work end up leading the project. Open source means you can compete and cooperate at the same time. | No. Open source works by an open arena where anyone can do anything and the best contributions will tend to survive. It’s ''meritocratic'' - the people who do the most or the best work end up leading the project. Open source means you can compete and cooperate at the same time. | ||
'''OK, awesome. Tell me what I can do to help.''' | '''OK, awesome. Tell me what I can do to help.'''<br> | ||
If you can’t find something obvious in the To Do Lists, and you’ve got a question, then ask the question in a public discussion place. If you’re scared you might sound stupid (you won’t) then email the project core. For malaria that’s , for TB it’s | If you can’t find something obvious in the To Do Lists, and you’ve got a question, then ask the question in a public discussion place. If you’re scared you might sound stupid (you won’t) then email the project core. For malaria that’s , for TB it’s | ||
'''I’m still not sure.''' | '''I’m still not sure.'''<br> | ||
Buy a T-shirt to wear while you think it over. A little bit of the money supports the consortium. | Buy a T-shirt to wear while you think it over. A little bit of the money supports the consortium. | ||
Comments/suggestions/questions below this line. | === | ||
Comments/suggestions/questions below this line.<br> | |||
Revision as of 08:17, 17 August 2014
What is Open Source Malaria?
It’s about finding, improving and bringing to market new medicines, using a process governed by a set of six rules, the most important of which are:
1) All data and ideas are shared openly
2) Anyone may take part
3) There are no patents
Who is it?
It’s a consortium of people interested in working in this way - some people are driving projects full-time, others come along to do one thing if they can. It’s a nimble network, always changing. It’s not a standard organization with a set of employees - you get the idea of who it is by the people who are most actively contributing.
Where did it come from?
The start was a project supported by the Medicines for Malaria Venture and the Australian Government.
Where is it?
On the web. Real labs and people from all over the world take part and contribute, but the web is where it all comes together.
Are you in India?
There is a project called Open Source Drug Discovery in India, but this works in a slightly different way. Eventually everything will probably unify, but Open Source Malaria is not associated with a particular geographical area or group. If you operate according to the rules above, you can say you're part of it. If you don't, you can't.
Do I need to pay anything?
No.
What can I do?
Anything you like. You can contribute to existing projects or you can start one of your own. Most of the work needed is experimental chemistry and biology. There's a lot of informatics needed. There's also writing, data management, publicity, web design and mentorship - all crucial.
Can I be anonymous?
Definitely. It helps if you can do this as a named individual, so you can bring your reputation with you. It helps if you can bring your organization with your name, but it’s not essential.
Will you spam me with email?
No. It’s really not that kind of a thing.
What diseases are you targeting?
We (you and us now that you're reading this) are currently targeting malaria. There is another branch called Open Source TB (coming soon).
Who pays for all this?
Open source drug discovery and development is not free. Money (cash or in-kind) is needed for some things, such as experiments, labs, chemicals. At the moment this is coming from governments, NGOs and companies. Contributions can be of various sorts - universities have supported students contributing to these projects, for example. Companies have contributed experimental resources and peoples’ time, such as running an assay. Many people have given time in order to solve scientific problems and be named on publications, such as consultants who guide the science. It’s not free, but it’s about as efficient with resources as it’s possible to get because there’s no duplication of effort, people don’t need to travel, and people are only part of the project when they contribute.
There’s too much stuff here - I don’t understand.
It can look difficult before you dive in. Start with the project status. Browse the latest posts. Look at the To Do list. If you’re still not sure, ask a question.
I feel dumb asking this but…
Don’t. Just ask away. If you think that something’s missing from this page, you can add it yourself, below.
How about getting students involved?
Definitely. Open projects need large cohorts of students to get involved in doing experimental science. If you’re a teacher or university demonstrator, get in touch on a discussion board. Open Source Malaria has already had inputs from individual students and whole undergraduate cohorts. Much much more of this is needed.
I’m retired and don’t have access to a lab. What can I do?
A huge amount. You’re needed! Advice, mentorship and experience are an essential component of science. Open projects need senior people with experience to advise on whether the project is on the right track. As an example, you might want to sign up for an hour a week to advise an undergraduate research project, which would mean checking data and advising on what to do next.
I’m a student. What can I do?
If you are a graduate student, how about making a molecule on the weekend, or as part of your studies (you must talk about this with your advisor and follow local safety procedures). If you’re an undergraduate, talk to your lab director about contributing as part of your major. If you’re in school, talk to your teacher and ask him or her to get in touch with the project. All students can get involved, do real research and maybe publish papers! If you see something in the project related to your studies, maybe you could do some experiments and share those.
I’m not a scientist, how can I help?
You’re needed. There are technical things that are needed, in data management. But there are lots of writing tasks needed that are non-technical. And there is a lot of PR and advocacy that is needed to make things run. Web designers and software engineers are needed in a huge variety of roles.
I’ve a project I want to do
Great. You’ll need to post data in the lab notebooks, and a project description/status on the wiki. If you’re happy to do that, get in touch and someone will guide you, or you can just mimic what you see already.
I used to work on a project that has kind of died
Perfect - making it open is the way to keep it alive! Post data, project status, and highlight what you'd do next. You might find someone wants to work with you. Open Source Malaria is intended to act as a repository of projects.
Do I need to sign up?
Not really. The lab books can be used with a Google or OpenID login (there’s a guide on how to post things). The social media platforms can be used with your existing accounts. To add to the wiki you’d need a login, yes, but it’s very easy. To use the very useful To Do list (i.e. to post stuff that needs doing, or contribute there) you’ll need to sign up for Github, but that’s very easy and non-spammy. There’s a little guide for that too.
I love open innovation!
That’s great. But that’s different. In open source you agree to share everything with everyone as you’re doing it. In open innovation you can work in small teams and keep secrets. These are not compatible.
I love open access!
That’s great. Being able to read papers is important. Open source is different, though, and is about how we do the research in the first place, not about how we read the papers that come out of it.
Are you only doing tropical diseases?
The focus is on malaria and there's a separate space for TB (coming soon), because there is more obvious market failure there (little profit). But maybe we should all try this in other areas where the failure is based on risk - like cancer and Alzheimer’s. This more general idea, open source pharma, is just now gaining momentum, but the underlying ideas of radical openness for global health are the same.
If we release everything we’re doing, how can we patent things?
We don’t. There are no patents - there can’t be. So we will need to find solutions to covering the costs of bringing drugs to market by rethinking how we do that. For many tropical diseases, governments and NGOs can cover these costs if the right drug candidates can be found. Future profits derive from a healthy population.
Why can’t I just take everything you’re doing and patent it?
If you can, go right ahead. The license for everything is CC-BY, meaning you can use whatever you want for any reason, including to make money, provided you cite the project. If you can justify a patent, you’re free to do so. If you make a million, you might like to consider a little kickback.
Why can’t I take what you’re doing and work on it in secret?
You can do that. You lose the efficiency gains of working with smart people, and you lose the joy joy feelings of doing so.
Are you Communists?
No. Open source works by an open arena where anyone can do anything and the best contributions will tend to survive. It’s meritocratic - the people who do the most or the best work end up leading the project. Open source means you can compete and cooperate at the same time.
OK, awesome. Tell me what I can do to help.
If you can’t find something obvious in the To Do Lists, and you’ve got a question, then ask the question in a public discussion place. If you’re scared you might sound stupid (you won’t) then email the project core. For malaria that’s , for TB it’s
I’m still not sure.
Buy a T-shirt to wear while you think it over. A little bit of the money supports the consortium.
=
Comments/suggestions/questions below this line.
