rOpenSci Monthly Update, April 2026

**A Moment of Reflection in the rOpenSci Community** It's a bittersweet time for those involved with rOpenSci, as the community pauses to honor the memory of Tomáš Kalibera, who tragically passed away on April 1, 2026. With nearly a decade of commitment to R and its ecosystem, Tomáš was not just a member of R-Core; he was a beacon of collaboration and intellectual generosity. His legacy in the R community serves as a reminder of the impact one dedicated individual can make, and our thoughts are especially with his family and friends during this difficult time. For those wanting to pay tribute, Jan Vitek’s heartfelt remembrance encapsulates Tomáš’s contributions, and it’s worth taking a moment to read it [here](https://prl-prg.github.io/tomas-kalibera.html). **New Faces in the rOpenSci Team** In brighter news, rOpenSci is thrilled to introduce two new editors to its ranks: [Alec Robitaille](https://ropensci.org/author/alec-robitaille/) will enhance the general review team, bringing fresh perspectives and expertise, while [Lucy D’Agostino McGowan](https://ropensci.org/author/lucy-dagostino-mcgowan/) joins the statistical software review team. Their proposed contributions reflect the community's ongoing commitment to maintaining high standards for R packages. For a deeper dive into their backgrounds and what they'll bring to the table, check out the detailed introduction post [here](https://ropensci.org/blog/2026/04/16/editors2026/). **Growth Through Collaboration and Innovation** The rOpenSci Champions Program has successfully selected a new cohort of participants. This year’s caliber of proposals was exceptionally high, making the selection process both challenging and inspiring. The chosen Champions, including names like Bastián Olea Herrera and María Florencia Tames, are set to engage the R community through the development and review of packages. Their work is not just about enhancing individual tools, but about contributing to the ecosystem as a whole. The community can anticipate groundbreaking developments over the coming months. Moreover, the collaboration between Bioconductor and R-universe to modernize infrastructure represents a significant step towards strengthening the R community’s framework. By sharing resources and expertise, both projects aim to refine capabilities that meet the complex demands of their users. This partnership could very well enhance future collective projects across the R community. Further insights are available in a dedicated blog post [here](https://ropensci.org/blog/2026/04/08/r-universe-bioc/). As the rOpenSci universe expands, it’s clear that while the landscape shifts, the core values of collaboration, innovation, and community remain steadfast. For professionals engaged in this space, this month’s developments are a powerful reminder of the vibrant ecosystem that continues to thrive around R and its users.

Final Thoughts

We’ve covered a lot of ground in this update, highlighting significant advancements and community contributions within the rOpenSci ecosystem. Notably, the introduction of tools like coevolve by Scott Claessens, which takes on the complex task of fitting Bayesian generalized dynamic phylogenetic models, demonstrates the synergy between statistical modeling and open-source development. This is more than a mere technical update; it reflects the vibrant interplay of data science and collaboration within the community. Looking ahead, the expansion of the editorial team, as detailed in the post by Alec Robitaille, Lucy D’Agostino McGowan, and Yanina Bellini Saibene, signifies a commitment to nurturing diverse perspectives and enhancing the quality of peer review in statistical software. This transition is critical for ensuring that open-source tools remain indispensable for researchers. It’s clear that if you're in the data science or statistical programming space, the momentum we're witnessing here is something to watch closely. Embracing community-driven projects and engaging with ongoing discussions can have powerful implications for your work. If you want to take part in shaping the future of open-source tools, there's no shortage of opportunities. From maintaining R packages like landscapetools to exploring calls for contributions, the avenues for involvement are diverse. Finally, as we wrap up this edition, I encourage you to explore our Contributing Guide. Whether you’re looking to contribute code, share use cases, or get involved in other ways, there’s a place for you in this flourishing community. Don't forget to keep in touch through our website and check back for our next newsletter to stay up to date with the latest in open science.