Google Summer of Code (GSoC) is a programme that has been set up by Google to introduce students to open source software development. It links students to open source organisations such as Ensembl. The students work remotely with their GSoC project mentors during the university summer break and get paid for it by Google. Both students and organisations go through a rigorous application and selection process. It ensures that the students are among the very best and that the organisations are committed to mentoring them and their projects effectively. We think that GSoC is a great programme for students as well as Ensembl as an open source organisation and are glad that we had the opportunity to be part of it again this year!