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Open Science Framework (OSF)

This research guide is based on the University of Washington's: "Open Science Framework (OSF)" research guide created by Jenny Muilenburg.

What is the Open Science Framework?

Center for Open Science logo

The Open Science Framework (OSF) is an open source cloud-based project management platform. It is designed to help teams collaborate in one centralized location; it is also used to share part or all of a research project or its outputs, such as preprints, open access articles, and data. Teams can connect third-party services that they already use (such as GitHub, Google Drive, and Amazon Web Services) directly to the OSF workspace. OSF provides version control, persistent URLs, and DOI registration. Cross-institutional collaboration is easy, as is controlling who has access to projects. OSF also allows researchers to connect to research services, like GitHub.

Creating an Account

OSF offers three different options for logging in: with a institutional account, with your ORCID, or with an OSF account using an email address.

UMD Official Seal

Logging In With Your UMD Directory ID     

  1. Go to: https://osf.io/ 

  2. Click on the upper right hand Sign In button

  3. Click on the Sign in through institution option

  4. Choose “University of Maryland” from the list of universities then read and agree to the terms of use and privacy policy. Finish signing in by pressing the SIGN IN button

  5. You will then be taken to the UMD Central Authentication Service (CAS) sign in page, where you will input your information.

By logging in with your institutional account, your projects can be affiliated with UMD. Affiliating your project can enhance transparency, foster collaboration, and increase the visibility of your work. The affiliation can be added or removed through the project overview page.