The main idea behind an open source project is that the creator or developer provides open access to the source code and design files, whether that be for software or hardware. Open source projects typically provide a license for others to use and modify the design, although many licenses require that any modifications remain open source. Under such licenses, it is not permissible to take an open source design, modify a few things, and claim it is a new closed design. Releasing a project with an open source license provides transparency for others to view, modify, and improve the project. Open source can be relevant for many levels of scientific research; open-access journals, code and data repositories, and sharing methods, protocols, or files are all examples of how one can contribute to open source science.

The term “open source” is also often synonymous with being cost-effective. Many commercial products used in neuroscience can be replicated in an open source manner at a fraction of the initial cost. However, there are additional advantages to incorporating open source science in a research lab. With a recent increase in microcontrollers, microprocessors, 3D printing and laser-cutting technologies, most people now have access to create devices or products in a way that was previously unavailable to researchers. Additionally, a major benefit to open source science is the ability for customization and flexibility. Instead of being restricted to studying only what a commercial part is capable of doing or measuring, it is now possible to study a level deeper through developing a device or software that will help answer the research question, instead of letting the technology drive the research question. In behavioral neuroscience, this allows researchers to enter uncharted territory of analyzing previously unmeasured or fine-grained aspects of behavior.