R Dev Days/Sprints

Events for new and experienced contributors to work collaboratively on contributions to base R

R Dev Days are short hybrid events - usually over one day, or linked sessions over consecutive days - for novice and experienced contributors to work collaboratively on contributions to base R. They are usually held as satellites to R conferences.

R Project Sprints are longer in-person events - usually three days, that allow time to work on more substantial tasks and explore ideas through group discussions. Remote participants may be accommodated in exceptional circumstances.

These events have the support of the R Core Team and will have R Core Developers participating directly.

R Core developer Martin Maechler working with Ella Kaye and Kelly Bodwin at an R Dev Day

Upcoming events

These are the planned events for 2026.

Links go to the registration/application page.

Satellite events

Satellite to Where Date Deadline
Rencontres R (16-18 June) Nantes, France Fri 19 June Fri 29 May
CascadiaR (26-27 June) Portland, USA Fri 26 June Fri 12 June
useR! 2026 (6-9 July) Warsaw, Poland Fri 10 July Fri 24 April

Stand-alone events

Event Where Date Deadline
R Project Sprint 2026 Birmingham, UK 1-3 September Fri 8 May

What happens at an R Dev Day/Sprint?

Tasks are prepared in the run-up to the event, but commonly include:

  • Reviewing, analysing and fixing code or documentation bugs reported on R’s Bugzilla.
  • Contributing to message translations via Weblate.

Tasks may also relate to contributor infrastructure, such as the R Dev Guide and the R Dev Container.

Sprint tasks require deeper work and there is more scope for working on wishlist items on Bugzilla or other enhancements to R.

Who can take part?

Some events have open registration, whilst others have an application process to ensure a balance of experience levels over limited places.

R Dev Days are usually run as satellite events to a conference, with registration/application open to people outside the conference.

The main criteria for participation is a good knowledge of R programming and a keen interest in contributing, as we hope participants continue to contribute after the event.

How much does it cost?

R Dev Days/Sprints are free to attend and we are often able to provide catering to participants. We will advertise when additional support is available (e.g. through scholarships to the associated conference).

Each event will have a ticket site or web page with more information - see the Upcoming events section or the calendar on the R Contributor Events Page.

Past R Dev Days

2025

RencontresR 2025 (report)
useR 2025 (report)
RSECon25 (report)
SIP2025 (report)
Australia 2025 (Melbourne / Perth / Brisbane / Virtual)
New Zealand 2025 (Auckland / Virtual

2024

Imperial 2024 (satellite to London satRday) (report)
PLUS 2024 (satellite to useR! 2024) (report)
Hutch 2024 (satllite to posit::conf(2024)) (report)
SIP 2024 (report)
RSECon 2024 (report)
LatinR 2024 (virtual) (report)