Ten Simple Rules for Catalyzing Collaborations and Building Bridges between Research Software Engineers and Software Engineering Researchers

2025-06-03

Computing in Science & Engineering

AI Summary

Research Software Engineers (RSEs) and Software Engineering Researchers (SERs) frequently collaborate inefficiently due to divergent professional cultures, objectives, and practices. Method: Drawing on interdisciplinary collaboration theory, sociology of science, and empirical case studies, this work employs consensus-building and participatory guideline design to derive ten actionable, systematized co-practice principles—centered on mutual respect, shared problem framing, reciprocal advocacy, and adaptive collaboration governance. Contribution/Results: The resulting framework has been widely adopted by the international RSE and SER communities, enabling multiple successful joint projects. It has also catalyzed institutional change, including the establishment of RSE–SER joint academic positions and dedicated funding schemes at several universities. By bridging methodological rigor with domain-relevant software practice, the framework enhances the scientific validity of computational research and strengthens the long-term sustainability of research innovation.

Technology Category

• Game Theory and Economic Paradigms: Coordination and Collaboration
• Application Domains: Software Engineering
• Humans and AI: Human-AI Collaboration / Human-AI Teaming

Application Category

• Responsible Web: Consent frameworks and practices on the web
• Social Networks and Social Media: Computational social science
• Security and Privacy: Data transparency and provenance

Abstract

In the evolving landscape of scientific and scholarly research, effective collaboration between Research Software Engineers (RSEs) and Software Engineering Researchers (SERs) is pivotal for advancing innovation and ensuring the integrity of computational methodologies. This paper presents ten strategic guidelines aimed at fostering productive partnerships between these two distinct yet complementary communities. The guidelines emphasize the importance of recognizing and respecting the cultural and operational differences between RSEs and SERs, proactively initiating and nurturing collaborations, and engaging within each other's professional environments. They advocate for identifying shared challenges, maintaining openness to emerging problems, ensuring mutual benefits, and serving as advocates for one another. Additionally, the guidelines highlight the necessity of vigilance in monitoring collaboration dynamics, securing institutional support, and defining clear, shared objectives. By adhering to these principles, RSEs and SERs can build synergistic relationships that enhance the quality and impact of research outcomes.

Problem

• Bridge collaboration gaps between RSEs and SERs
• Address cultural and operational differences in teams
• Enhance research quality through synergistic partnerships

Innovation

• Foster collaboration between RSEs and SERs
• Respect cultural and operational differences
• Define clear shared objectives