diff --git a/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/bug_report.yml b/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/bug_report.yml
index c9b61e6da..bba273533 100644
--- a/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/bug_report.yml
+++ b/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/bug_report.yml
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
name: Bug report
-description: Report a reproducible defect.
+description: Report something that looks broken.
title: "[Bug] "
labels: ["bug"]
body:
@@ -7,48 +7,49 @@ body:
id: summary
attributes:
label: Summary
- description: What is wrong?
+ description: What looks wrong?
validations:
required: true
- type: textarea
id: expected
attributes:
- label: Expected behavior
+ label: What did you expect? (optional)
+ description: If it helps, say what you thought would happen instead.
validations:
required: false
- type: textarea
id: steps
attributes:
- label: Reproduction steps
- description: Include exact commands or UI steps.
+ label: How can we reproduce it?
+ description: Commands, clicks, or files that help us see it.
validations:
required: true
- type: textarea
id: environment
attributes:
- label: Environment
- description: OS, Python version, branch or commit if relevant.
+ label: Environment (optional)
+ description: OS, Python version, branch, or commit if that helps.
validations:
required: false
- type: textarea
id: evidence
attributes:
- label: Logs or screenshots
- description: Paste relevant output or links to screenshots.
+ label: Logs or screenshots (optional)
+ description: Add anything else that helps explain it.
validations:
required: false
- type: textarea
id: related_work
attributes:
- label: Related work checked
- description: List anything relevant you checked before opening this issue. Use issue/PR numbers like #123, or write `None found after search`.
+ label: Related issue, PR, or discussion (optional)
+ description: If you already found something relevant, link it here.
validations:
required: false
- type: dropdown
id: proposed_track
attributes:
label: Proposed track
- description: Optional. Maintainers will assign the final track label.
+ description: Optional. Pick one if it helps.
options:
- Track: Cross-Platform
- Track: OG Onboarding
diff --git a/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/config.yml b/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/config.yml
index 798d06fa9..ad610d8c5 100644
--- a/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/config.yml
+++ b/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/config.yml
@@ -2,4 +2,4 @@ blank_issues_enabled: true
contact_links:
- name: Project support guide
url: https://github.com/EAPD-DRB/MUIOGO/blob/main/SUPPORT.md
- about: Read support guidance and reporting expectations.
+ about: See where to ask questions or report issues.
diff --git a/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/feature_task.yml b/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/feature_task.yml
index c93605cc3..6475252db 100644
--- a/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/feature_task.yml
+++ b/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/feature_task.yml
@@ -1,51 +1,51 @@
name: Feature or task
-description: Propose implementation work with clear acceptance criteria.
+description: Share an idea or task that could help MUIOGO.
title: "[Task] "
labels: ["enhancement"]
body:
- type: textarea
id: problem
attributes:
- label: Problem statement
- description: What problem are we solving?
+ label: What needs work?
+ description: What are you trying to improve or make easier?
validations:
required: true
- type: textarea
id: proposal
attributes:
- label: Proposed solution
- description: Describe scope and approach.
+ label: Possible approach (optional)
+ description: If you have an idea for the direction, add it here.
validations:
required: false
- type: textarea
id: acceptance
attributes:
- label: Acceptance criteria
- description: List objective criteria for completion.
+ label: What good looks like (optional)
+ description: If helpful, list the outcome you are aiming for.
placeholder: |
- - [ ] Criterion 1
- - [ ] Criterion 2
+ - setup is easier to follow
+ - current behavior still works
validations:
required: false
- type: textarea
id: dependencies
attributes:
- label: Dependencies and constraints
- description: Upstream or downstream constraints, blocked items, or external dependencies.
+ label: Anything to keep in mind? (optional)
+ description: Upstream impact, related decisions, blocked items, or anything else that shapes the work.
validations:
required: false
- type: textarea
id: related_work
attributes:
- label: Related work checked
- description: List anything relevant you checked before opening this issue. Use issue/PR numbers like #123, or write `None found after search`.
+ label: Related issue, PR, or discussion (optional)
+ description: If you already found something relevant, link it here.
validations:
required: false
- type: dropdown
id: proposed_track
attributes:
label: Proposed track
- description: Optional. Maintainers will assign the final track label.
+ description: Optional. Pick one if it helps.
options:
- Track: Cross-Platform
- Track: OG Onboarding
diff --git a/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/question_blocker.yml b/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/question_blocker.yml
index e77308e98..92efcb06c 100644
--- a/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/question_blocker.yml
+++ b/.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/question_blocker.yml
@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
name: Question or blocker
-description: Ask for clarification or report a blocker.
+description: Ask a question or flag something that is getting in the way.
title: "[Question/Blocker] "
labels: ["needs-decision"]
body:
@@ -16,35 +16,35 @@ body:
id: context
attributes:
label: Context
- description: What are you trying to do?
+ description: What are you working on?
validations:
required: true
- type: textarea
id: blocking
attributes:
- label: What is blocked?
- description: Describe the failure point or missing decision.
+ label: What's the question or blocker?
+ description: Tell us what you are unsure about or what is getting in the way.
validations:
required: true
- type: textarea
id: help
attributes:
- label: Requested decision or help
- description: What specific answer do you need?
+ label: What would help? (optional)
+ description: If you know, say what kind of answer or decision would unblock you.
validations:
- required: true
+ required: false
- type: textarea
id: related_work
attributes:
- label: Related work checked
- description: List anything relevant you checked before opening this issue. Use issue/PR numbers like #123, or write `None found after search`.
+ label: Related issue, PR, or discussion (optional)
+ description: If you already found something relevant, link it here.
validations:
required: false
- type: dropdown
id: proposed_track
attributes:
label: Proposed track
- description: Optional. Maintainers will assign the final track label.
+ description: Optional. Pick one if it helps.
options:
- Track: Cross-Platform
- Track: OG Onboarding
diff --git a/CONTRIBUTING.md b/CONTRIBUTING.md
index 498e472c4..4bfd7f42c 100644
--- a/CONTRIBUTING.md
+++ b/CONTRIBUTING.md
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ Thanks for contributing.
## Before starting
-1. Read `README.md`, `docs/GSoC-2026.md`, `docs/ARCHITECTURE.md`, and `docs/DOCS_POLICY.md`
+1. Read `README.md`, `docs/GSoC-2026.md`, `SUPPORT.md`, `docs/ARCHITECTURE.md`, and `docs/DOCS_POLICY.md`
2. Search existing issues and PRs before proposing implementation work
3. Create or reuse an issue before starting implementation work
4. Fill in the issue's required related-work fields so overlap is explicit
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index be96e51ee..b43b24126 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -1,9 +1,6 @@
-# 🎓 Applications for MUIOGO Are Now Open!
+# 🎓 Applications for MUIOGO Are Now Closed
-Please complete the following questionnaire so we can keep track of everybody’s application in a structured way:
-
-🗓 **Deadline**: 16 March
-📄 **Apply** [here](https://forms.gle/8Yvw2H6Q7Qw6snSN9)
+For the broader project description, see [OG–CLEWS: Integrating Open-Source Economic and Environmental Models for Sustainable Development](https://opensource.unicc.org/un/unoict/mentorship-programme/google-summer-of-code/-/blob/main/README.md#ogclews-integrating-open-source-economic-and-environmental-models-for-sustainable-development).
---

@@ -89,6 +86,7 @@ One of the core goals of MUIOGO is to become platform independent so separate pl
Start with:
- `CONTRIBUTING.md`
- `docs/GSoC-2026.md`
+- `SUPPORT.md`
- `docs/ARCHITECTURE.md`
- `docs/DOCS_POLICY.md`
diff --git a/SUPPORT.md b/SUPPORT.md
index d4b67d238..3cf985405 100644
--- a/SUPPORT.md
+++ b/SUPPORT.md
@@ -2,11 +2,19 @@
## Where to ask for help
+Use GitHub Discussions for:
+
+- planning questions,
+- general questions about the project,
+- community discussion, and
+- early conversation before opening implementation PRs.
+
Use GitHub Issues for:
- bugs,
- feature/task requests,
-- blockers and technical questions.
+- blockers, and
+- actionable technical questions.
Please use the relevant issue template when available.
@@ -22,4 +30,3 @@ Please use the relevant issue template when available.
This project uses event-driven communication. Updates are expected when work starts,
when blocked, when a PR is opened, and when a milestone is complete.
-
diff --git a/docs/source/contributing/contributing.rst b/docs/source/contributing/contributing.rst
index f4811ac89..b1a4ecb3d 100644
--- a/docs/source/contributing/contributing.rst
+++ b/docs/source/contributing/contributing.rst
@@ -2,111 +2,91 @@
Contributing
###########################
-We warmly welcome anyone interested in MUIO and the broader OSeMOSYS ecosystem! Whether you have ideas, suggestions, bug reports, or would like to contribute improvements, your input is highly valued.
+MUIOGO is an open-source project, and contributions are welcome.
-How You Can Contribute
----------------------------
-
-🧠 `Code Contributions`_
-
-Help us enhance MUIO by adding new functionalities, fixing bugs, or optimizing model performance.
+The most useful contributions are clear, scoped, and grounded in the current
+direction of the repository. Before proposing implementation work, take time to
+understand what the project is trying to do, what already exists, and how your
+proposal fits the current priorities.
-📚 `Documentation`_
-
-Support the community by expanding or refining the documentation—add new sections, correct errors, or improve clarity for new users.
+Getting Started
+---------------------------
-📂 `Examples and Use Cases`_
+Start with the repository documentation:
-Share your modelling examples or country applications. These can be valuable learning tools for others in the community.
+* ``README.md``
+* ``CONTRIBUTING.md``
+* ``SUPPORT.md``
+* ``docs/ARCHITECTURE.md``
+* ``docs/DOCS_POLICY.md``
+These documents are the source of truth for the contributor workflow.
Code Contributions
-------------------
-Want to suggest a fix or add a feature? Here's a quick and easy workflow:
-
-1. Fork the repository: Click the “Fork” button on the `MUIO GitHub page `_
+MUIOGO uses an issue-first, discussion-before-PR workflow for most
+implementation work.
-2. Clone your fork: Copy the link to your fork and run:
+Before writing code:
-.. code:: bash
+1. Search existing issues, pull requests, and discussions.
+2. Create or reuse an issue before starting implementation work.
+3. Describe the current problem, relevant related work, and why the issue is
+ still needed.
+4. Confirm the scope before opening a large implementation PR.
+5. Create a feature branch from ``main`` for the implementation.
- git clone https://github.com//MUIO.git
-
-3. Make your changes: Create a new branch and make your edits or improvements in the code.
+Why this matters:
-4. Test your changes: If there are tests, run them locally. If not, just make sure your edits work as expected.
+* it reduces duplicate or overlapping work
+* it helps maintainers keep review effort focused on current priorities
+* it makes it easier to discuss tradeoffs before code is written
-5. Push and open a pull request: Push your branch to your fork and go to GitHub to open a pull request.
+MUIOGO is downstream from ``OSeMOSYS/MUIO``. Contributors should avoid creating
+unnecessary divergence from upstream when a narrower or more compatible change
+would do the job.
-Documentation
+Documentation Contributions
-------------------
-We aim to keep the MUIO documentation clear, helpful, and up to date. If you notice any gaps, outdated content, or unclear explanations, your help in improving it is greatly appreciated.
-
-How to Contribute to the Docs:
-
-1. Find something to improve
- Spotted a typo, unclear sentence, or missing sections.
-
-2. Edit directly on GitHub
-
- - On any documentation page, click the book icon (📖) at the bottom-left corner.
- - Then click “Edit on GitHub” – this will take you to the exact source file.
-
-3. Make your changes
- Use GitHub’s built-in editor to edit the file directly.
+Documentation improvements are welcome, including:
-4. Propose your edit
- Once done, commit the changes and open a pull request. We’ll review and merge it!
+* clarifying setup steps
+* fixing outdated or misleading instructions
+* improving architecture or workflow explanations
+* adding missing validation or troubleshooting details
+Any setup, workflow, or architecture change should update the relevant
+documentation in the same pull request.
Examples and Use Cases
-------------------
-Have you built a useful energy model using MUIO? We'd love to include it as an example to help others learn and build faster. Here's how to contribute an example to the documentation:
+Examples, demo improvements, and real-world use cases can be helpful when they
+make the project easier to understand or test.
-✅ What Makes a Good Example?
-^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
+If you want to contribute an example:
-We welcome examples that:
+1. Explain what the example demonstrates.
+2. Keep it small enough to be practical for review and reuse.
+3. Include a short README or description covering the purpose, assumptions, and
+ any data-source constraints.
+4. Open or link an issue first if the example changes tracked project scope,
+ demo assets, or contributor workflow.
-* Use MUIO in real or hypothetical case studies (e.g. countries, regions, sectors).
-
-* Demonstrate specific features (e.g. multi-regional modelling, transport sector, emissions).
-
-* Include complete data files, clear naming, and a brief description.
-
-* Are small enough to run quickly (or include a simplified version).
-
-🚀 How to Contribute an Example
-^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
-
-1. Prepare your files
-
- - Organize your example in a folder under ``examples/`` (e.g. ``examples/CountryName/``).
- - Include:
-
- - Model input file (.zip)
- - A ``README.md`` describing the model purpose, data source, and assumptions
- - *(Optional)* Output plots or summary results
-
-2. Fork and clone the MUIO repository.
-
-3. Add your folder under ``/examples``.
- If it’s large, consider linking to an external repository or storage (e.g. Zenodo, Figshare).
-
-4. Add a reference in the documentation
-
- - Edit the examples section in the documentation (``docs/source/examples.rst``).
- - Add a short entry linking to your example folder or external repo.
+Communication
+-------------------
-5. Create a pull request
- Submit your changes with a short description of your example.
+Good communication is part of the contribution.
-📝 Licensing and Attribution
-^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
+Strong contributions usually include:
-* Please include a note in your README.md indicating data sources and your preferred citation (if any).
+* a concrete problem statement
+* a scoped proposal
+* links to related work already reviewed
+* clear validation steps
+* direct explanations of tradeoffs or upstream-compatibility impact
-* Make sure you have the right to share the data and code you include.
+Questions are welcome. It is especially helpful when questions include enough
+context to make them easy to answer and act on.
diff --git a/docs/source/contributing/support.rst b/docs/source/contributing/support.rst
index 94a4e2c5c..72a948adb 100644
--- a/docs/source/contributing/support.rst
+++ b/docs/source/contributing/support.rst
@@ -2,17 +2,46 @@
Support and Troubleshooting
###########################
-Need help using MUIO or found a bug? There are several ways to reach out and contribute to the improvement of the tool.
+Need help using MUIOGO, planning work, or reporting a problem? Use the
+repository channels based on the kind of help you need.
-💬 Community Support
-++++++++++++++++++++
+Community and Planning Questions
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
-To connect with other MUIO and OSeMOSYS users, ask questions, share updates, or collaborate on projects, you can:
-• Join the OSeMOSYS Community via the Energy Modelling Community on `Linkedin `_
-• Participate in discussions on the OSeMOSYS Discourse Forum [Link to be updated soon]
+Use `GitHub Discussions `_ for:
-🐞 Report Bugs or Suggest Features
-++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+* planning questions
+* general questions about the project
+* community conversation
+* early discussion before opening implementation pull requests
-Found a bug? Have an idea for a new feature? Please open an issue on the `GitHub Issue Tracker `_
-Be sure to describe the problem clearly and include steps to reproduce it, if possible.
+Discussions are the right place to ask questions, compare approaches, and sort
+out scope before work turns into a PR.
+
+Bugs, Blockers, and Actionable Work
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+
+Use the `GitHub Issue Tracker `_ for:
+
+* reproducible bugs
+* scoped feature or task proposals
+* blockers that need a concrete decision
+* actionable follow-up work
+
+Please use the relevant issue template and include enough detail to make the
+problem easy to understand and triage.
+
+What To Include
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+
+When reporting a bug or blocker, include:
+
+* a clear problem statement
+* expected behavior
+* reproduction steps
+* environment details such as OS, Python version, and branch or commit when
+ relevant
+* logs or screenshots when helpful
+
+If the issue depends on prior work, list the related issues, pull requests, or
+discussions you already checked.