We are delighted to announce that the findings of the "Software and skills for research computing in the UK" (https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10473186) study have been published. This report provides an analysis of the transformative role of software and the individuals behind it in reshaping the research landscape and delivers crucial insights into the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for research computing in the UK.
The study was funded through the UKRI Digital Research Infrastructure programme and will contribute to the understanding of the evolving landscape of DRI in the UK. It includes a comprehensive landscape analysis comparing the UK to current international approaches, a survey of over 400 researchers / research-adjacent staff, eight focus groups, and DRI stakeholder interviews. It was undertaken between December 2021 and October 2022 by the Software Sustainability Institute, with researchers based at the University of Edinburgh and the University of Southampton, in collaboration with Dr Michelle Barker, Director of the Research Software Alliance.
Read the full report on Zenodo.
Key highlights of the report include:
People
- Crucial Role of RSEs: The report emphasises the indispensable role of Research Software Engineers (RSEs) in the research computing ecosystem, calling for dedicated career paths to support their essential contributions.
- Visibility of Roles: Certain research computing-adjacent roles, such as Research Librarian and Data Steward, are identified as underutilised and in need of increased visibility to enhance their impact.
- Training Challenges: The study reveals challenges in accessing adequate training, particularly for individuals in the early stages of their careers, emphasising the need for on-the-job and self-taught learning opportunities.
Infrastructure
- Software's Vital Importance: A staggering 97% of survey participants recognise the importance of software in their research, with 85% deeming it essential to their work.
- Disparities in Access: The report highlights a significant gap between researchers using larger-scale computing infrastructure and those relying on university-level resources, signalling a need for more inclusive access.
Policy
- Organisational Support: Successful organisational processes supporting RSEs and research software initiatives are identified as beneficial both at the institutional and national levels.
- Funding Challenges: The study reveals limited funding for research software and personnel, with concerns raised about the perceived detriment of including development costs in funding applications.
Recommendations in the report are aimed at maintaining the UK's world-leading position in research software, including the recognition of diverse roles, professionalising RSE roles, and developing a national roadmap for research computing infrastructure.
Read the full report on Zenodo.