Open source

Can you release your code as open source?

The University is in the process of producing an Open Source Code policy. Once it is published, this page will be updated.

Make all new source code open and reusable, and publish it under appropriate licences. Or if this is not possible, provide a convincing explanation of why this cannot be done for specific subsets of the source code.

Code that could be open

You might be able to release the following:

  • Analysis scripts,
  • Source code for compiled programs,
  • Configuration data for running or managing the program,
  • Database schema,
  • Code to compile, test or package the software,
  • Documentation to instruct others how to install, test and use the software.

Code that should not be open

You must not release code that:

  • Contains personal or protected data (these should be stored separately),
  • Relates to sensitive research that has not been published yet or could compromise the proper publication of research results,
  • Relates to intellectual property that needs protecting (for example industrial collaborations or where there are plans to commercialise the research),
  • Could compromise the security or integrity of research infrastructure (such as login details, descriptions security or anti-fraud systems, or unpublished policy).

References