Open Concept Lab

The OCL Mapper [beta] uses a semantic search vector-based matching algorithm to generate 60% better mapping candidates than a standard keyword matching approach. An AI Terminology Mapping Agent enables a learning system that makes recommendations and improves over time. With terminologists scarce and costly in resource-constrained settings, this tool would ease their workload and let users in low-income settings benefit from community mapping decisions.

Our small OCL Core Team plays a vital role in coordinating and strengthening our global network. We coordinate community management, event planning, and communications; mentor developers and lead complex code reviews; maintain critical infrastructure; and support implementers and users. We lead critical software development activities that drive community contributors.

Fellowships enhance our community's capacity by supporting promising contributors in developing their skills, while also providing a funded stipend. We pair fellows with a Mentor and an active workgroup. Fellowships are ~3-9 months long. Fellowship costs vary, but $10,000 USD covers a 6-month junior fellowship. Note that OCL uses the OpenMRS fellowship pay scale, which can be found here: om.rs/fellowships

Many of our top contributors need financial assistance to attend OCL community events. For example, OCL hosts an in-person workshop every year colocated with the annual OpenHIE Conference, which will be hosted in Rwanda in 2025. One of the ways that OCL supports our open source community is by sponsoring contributors with travel grants to attend events such as this. This sponsored travel helps those that would like to attend events but are unable to do so for financial reasons.