The Center for Open Science (COS) is simultaneously a mission-based non-profit and a tech start-up with the goal of providing free data.

Open data is so important because tons of money is used to get it, but some research will not have the same viewpoints. Therefore, a fresh perspective can provide new conclusions from the same set of data. The Center “provides a framework for users to share data,” said Brian Nosek, executive director of The Center for Open Science and professor at University of Virginia.

“The values of science have always been about transparency,” Nosek remarked during an interview with John Furrier and Jeff Frick, co-hosts of theCUBE, from the SiliconANGLE Media team.

Diversity = empowerment

At the Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing, Nosek noted that a scientist has to show “how did you get there?” by detailing the steps in their experiments. To that end, COS has built its operation on a policy of openness, not just in “transparent access to data,” but also by seeking talent “across the range.” Currently, COS employs a staff of 68, of which approximately 42 percent are women.

Nosek’s personal research since 1997 has been about implicit bias, which he described as a “very ordinary outcome” as “reality comes through the brain” and thereby multiple filters of various assumptions. Having a diverse staff helps reduce the power those biases have in the workplace, as new perspectives bring to light some assumptions that a more homogeneous staff might miss.

COS is learning-based, Nosek explained. Therefore, it offers a paid internship program that seeks both to further the its mission while also helping newcomers develop technology, not for technology’s sake, but to make a difference. The internship program can also give college credit. The CSO is currently “trying to hire like crazy,” commented Nosek.

Watch the full video interview below, and be sure to check out more of SiliconANGLE and theCUBE’s coverage of Grace Hopper Celebration of Woman In Computing. And join in on the conversation by CrowdChatting with theCUBE hosts.

Photo by SiliconANGLE