Research software engineering enables career advancement and connects technical and domain expertise

Welcome to the second post in our six-part series exploring the future of research software in Germany. In each installment, we present opinion statements on why a national research software institution could and should be created to strengthen Germany’s research ecosystem.

Software, as a product of human activity, requires continuous maintenance and further development. Enhanced recognition, reputation, and career paths for the people developing research software (research software engineers) are essential to attract and retain qualified professionals in this field.

Advocacy for improved recognition and clearly defined career structures is therefore just as crucial as providing appreciation and professional development opportunities for those dedicated to developing and maintaining research software.

However, there is often a significant discrepancy between the demand for research software development and the available training opportunities. Although training resources are available, they sometimes fail to address the specific needs of their intended audience. Nevertheless, individuals who are experts in both software engineering and domain-specific research methodologies are already effectively providing research software as part of their work. But there is significant untapped potential in training, knowledge exchange and career advancement around research software. To improve career progression, institutions must recognise research software engineering as a core component of research work. They should also establish career paths tailored to specialised and general research software engineers. Furthermore, scientific communities must support their research software by publishing, citing and peer-reviewing it.

When research software engineering is successfully implemented, researchers can dedicate more time to their core activities. Acquiring programming skills and domain knowledge, identifying appropriate training venues, and taking on instructional roles requires more than individual effort. Research institutions must also foster a sense of comfort and belonging for research software engineers within academia. Additionally, the reputation of research software engineers must be strengthened. This cultural change bring about new forms of collaboration and belonging within the scientific system. However, this change must be accompanied by legitimised and mandated actors.

A national research software institution can advocate for the recognition, reputation and career paths of research software engineers, while also helping them to establish their identity and sense of belonging within the scientific ecosystem by supporting the digital transformation in science in regard to research software.