Sponsoring of Science packages
Upload requests can be sent on the [http://lists.alioth.debian.org/mailman/listinfo/debian-science-maintainers|Debian Science maintainer mailing list]
How to make packages
Please no duplication of already existing information, just relevant pointers.
If you want to build the package yourself, you should open an ITP bug-report against wnpp, read the Debian New Maintainers Guide, build your package, upload your (source) package (maybe to mentors.debian.net) and discuss the result with experienced packagers/developers (e.g. at mentors mailing list). If everything is ok, search for a sponsor (read the mentors faq) or become a DD (described somewhere at debian.org) to officially get your package into Debian. If you don't want to package the software yourself, you should open a RFP bug-report against wnpp and search for someone, who wants to build the package.
Possibly useful resources
debian-mentors FAQ (a general FAQ about the project, packaging practice, searching for sponsors and doing sponsoring)
Debian New Maintainers Guide (a general introduction into packaging practice and files)
Debian Developer's Reference (the reference for developers with hints for best packaging practice)
Debian Policy Manual (the policy - explains files, decision-criteria for e.g. the main/contrib/non-free sections and more - be aware, that a package should always fit the latest policy)
Debian Library Packaging guide (the very special guide for library packaging practice)
Involvement in Debian(-women) with many useful links
Collective packaging practice and review
There are several examples inside Debian.
The utnubu team
The proposal for orphaned packages now superseded by CollaborativeMaintenance (read this proposal).
- add other examples you know
What can I do?
- Check the package
Kindly ask the current maintainer if he is willing to maintain the package for Debian (that means at least tracking the BTS and conforming to the evolving Debian policy)
- If not then find an other maintainer (or a team) willing to do so
Upload to mentors.debian.net
- Find a sponsor