Google Summer of Code 2022
07 Mar 2022
MDAnalysis has been accepted as an organization for Google Summer of Code 2022! If you are interested in working with us this summer and you are new to open source, please read the advice and links below and write to us on the mailing list.
We are looking forward to all applications. Note that the GSoC program was updated compared to previous years: GSoC will welcome not just students, but any new and beginner open source contributors over 18 years old. Projects are also now scoped as either 175-hour (medium) or 350-hour (long) size. Finally, the duration can be extended from the standard 12 weeks to 22 weeks.
The application window deadline is April 19, 2022 18:00 (UTC). As part of the application process you must familiarize yourself with Google Summer of Code 2022.
If you are interested in working with us please read on and contact us on our mailing list. Apply as soon as possible at https://summerofcode.withgoogle.com; the application window opens on April 4, 2022 but potential GSoC Contributors are expected to familiarize themselves with application requirements and mentoring organizations as soon as possible. It’s also never too early to discuss application ideas with us!
Project Ideas
If you have your own idea about a potential project we’d love to work with you to develop this idea; please write to us on the developer list to discuss it there.
We also have listed several possible projects for you to work on. Our initial list of ideas (see summaries in the table below) contains various projects of different scope and with different skill requirements. However, check the ideas page — we might add more ideas after the posting date of this post.
The listed skills are suggested rather than essential, although they will be used as part of our decision criteria in choosing GSoC contributors. Our only essential requirement is that you need to demonstrate to us that you’re able and keen to learn anything that you don’t know yet, and we will be happy to help you learn during your project with us.
| project | name | difficulty | project size | description | skills | mentors |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Generalise Groups | medium | 350 hours | Generalise concept of groups | Python, NetworkX, Molecular modelling | @lilyminium, @fiona-naughton, @richardjgowers, @IAlibay, @micaela-matta |
| 2 | Type hinting | medium | 175 hours | Add type hints to the MDAnalysis library | Python | @IAlibay, @jbarnoud |
| 3 | Extend MDAnalysis Interoperability | medium | 350 hours | Extend converters module to other relevant packages | Python, Molecular Modelling | @lilyminium, @IAlibay, @fiona-naughton, @hmacdope |
| 4 | Benchmarking and performance optimization | medium | 175 hours | write benchmarks for automated performance analysis and address performance bottlenecks | Python | @hmacdope, @orbeckst, @jbarnoud |
| 5 | Context-aware guessers | medium | 350 hours | Extend how the library guesses properties such as bonds, masses or atom symbols; and write guessers that know about the context of the system (database of origin, force field…) | Python, Molecular modelling | @jbarnoud @micaela-matta @IAlibay |
Information for prospective GSoC Contributors
You must meet our own requirements if you want to be a GSoC Contributor with MDAnalysis this year (read all the docs behind these links!). You must also meet the eligibility criteria. Our GSoC FAQ collects common questions from applicants.
The MDAnalysis community values diversity and is committed to providing a productive, harassment-free environment to every member. Our Code of Conduct explains the values that we as a community uphold. Every member (and every GSoC Contributor) agrees to follow the Code of Conduct.
As a start to get familiar with MDAnalysis and open source development you should follow these steps:
Complete the Quick Start Guide
We have a Quick Start Guide explaining the basics of MDAnalysis. You should go through it at least once to understand how MDAnalysis is used. Continue reading the User Guide to learn more.
Introduce yourself to us
Introduce yourself on the mailing list. Tell us your github handle, what you plan to work on during the summer or what you have already done with MDAnalysis.
Close an issue of MDAnalysis
You must have at least one commit in the development branch of MDAnalysis in order to be eligible, i.e., you must demonstrate that you have been seriously engaged with the MDAnalysis project. We have a list of easy bugs and suggested GSOC Starter issues to work on in our issue tracker on GitHub. We only accept one GSOC Starter issue per applicant so that everybody gets a chance. If you want to dive deeper, we encourage you to tackle some of the other issues in our issue tracker.
We also appreciate contributions which add more tests or update/improve our documentation.
We recommend you start your application by working on an issue. It will give you a better understanding of MDAnalysis as a project and improve the quality of your application.
To start developing for MDAnalysis have a look at our guide on contributing to MDAnalysis and write to us on the mailing list if you have more questions about setting up a development environment or how to contribute.
— Hugo @hmacdope, Micaela @micaela-matta, Jonathan @jbarnoud, Richard @richardjgowers, Lily @lilyminium, Fiona @fiona-naughton, Irfan @IAlibay, Oliver @orbeckst