Research Software Needs Structures: How FutuRSI Addresses Key Challenges of Open Research Tools

The use of research software in science is growing rapidly – and with it, the demands for sustainability, openness, and robust infrastructure. The recent study commissioned by the BMFTR (formerly BMBF), titled “Open Research Tools: Current State and Challenges at the Intersection of Research Software, Openness, and Digital Infrastructure,” analyzes the current landscape of the research software ecosystem in Germany. The study clearly shows how integral Open Research Tools (ORT) and research software have become to modern science across virtually all disciplines. It also recommends concrete measures to embed ORT and research software more deeply into Germany’s research system and to create the necessary structural framework.

This is precisely where the FutuRSI project comes in. As a conceptual development for a Research Software Institute in Germany, FutuRSI aims to address many of the structural challenges and promote cross-disciplinary and professional approaches. Here’s an overview.

🛡️ Anchoring Measures: What the Report Recommends

  1. Strategic Roadmapping Process: A long-term process involving key stakeholders from research, relevant communities, and the public sector.

  2. Balance Between Centralized and Decentralized Approaches: A careful assessment of whether to create a centralized organization or strengthen existing decentralized structures.

  3. Needs-Based Approach: Comprehensive needs assessments involving all relevant actors as a data-driven foundation for strategic decision-making.

  4. Strengthening the Community: Participatory formats (e.g. workshops, focus groups) that foster networking and acceptance through decentralized coordination mechanisms.

  5. Tailored Funding Models: Bridging the gap between research project funding and long-term infrastructure-ready software.

  6. Ensuring Long-Term Funding: Institutionally anchored funding models that enable continuous operation beyond project lifetimes.

  7. Harmonization of Funding Policies: Aligning funding programs across EU, federal, and state levels.

🚀 FutuRSI: Responding to the Core Challenges

The FutuRSI project (“Conceptualization and Initial Phase of a German Research Software Institute”) takes on these issues directly. Its goal is to develop a viable concept for a national research software institute in Germany. Beyond conceptual work, the project also pioneers innovative and participatory approaches:

1. Stakeholder Dialogue Coordination

Through coordinated dialogues, FutuRSI facilitates exchanges between Research Software Engineers (RSEs), researchers, and key public-sector stakeholders as part of its concept-building process.

2. Engaging German RSE Units

FutuRSI maps the existing research software ecosystem across Germany, aiming to integrate decentralized structures into the project and identify needs for a central institution.

3. Governance Models for an RSE Network

The project develops governance models that define clear responsibilities within a network of RSEs while maintaining a participatory character.

4. Community Building & Networking

Through workshops, focus groups, and webinars, FutuRSI connects developers, researchers, infrastructure providers, and other stakeholders. This enhances the visibility of software development work and fosters a culture of sharing and reuse.

5. Structural Funding & Sustainability

FutuRSI analyzes existing services and develops scenarios for taking research software beyond project-based models, supporting long-term sustainability through hosting services, maintenance models, and infrastructure partnerships.

6. Driving Cultural Change

FutuRSI takes a systems-level view of research software. It contributes to a cultural change in science where software is positioned as an equal pillar alongside data and text publications, through advocacy and policy work.

🔍 Conclusion: From Analysis to Implementation

The Open Research Tools report provides a clear diagnosis — FutuRSI is developing the treatment. One thing is clear: without robust structures, strong collaboration among key actors, and sustainable funding, research software risks remaining a byproduct. With FutuRSI, there is now a dedicated actor working to close this gap and establish ORT and research software as integral components of a sustainable scientific ecosystem.

Read the study on Zenodo: https://zenodo.org/records/15771943