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Swiss Research Software Engineering

​What is a Research Software Engineer? 

 

Research Software Engineers (RSEs) are people who design, write and maintain software that is used to support or undertake research. There is no single definition, and it is intentionally inclusive. You may consider yourself being an RSE if you can answer at least one of the following questions with a “yes”:

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  • I like programming as much as science, and maybe a little bit more. 

  • I use programming expertise to advance research. 

  • I apply software engineering skills and practices to research to create more robust, manageable, and sustainable research software.

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For more information, see definitions from various sources: RSE@ETHZ, US-RSE, The RSE’s Toolkit.

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For a list of potential benefits being an RSE, see Ten reasons to be a research software engineer.

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EnhanceR and Swiss RSE

 

Research Software Engineers are crucial to EnhanceR's mission, because RSEs use programming expertise to advance research, whether as researchers, full-time software engineers, or those in-between. By supporting RSE communities, EnhanceR can therefore support and enhance the quality of research through collaboration, expertise and the development of robust, sustainable research software.

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Following the introduction to the RSE concept by Simon Hettrick at the EnhanceR Symposium 2023, there is a growing interest in creating and sustaining a network for Swiss RSEs. With initial help from EnhanceR, local communities have started to self-organize within Swiss research institutions. At present, such RSE communities are actively developing within ETHZ and EPFL.

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However, many more institutions could benefit from creation of local communities. EnhanceR aims to support such initiatives, with the eventual goal of creating a nationwide RSE network. ​

Call for RSE Ambassadors

EnhanceR aims to accelerate community building efforts by providing funding for RSEs that want to engage as RSE Ambassadors.

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RSE Ambassadors advocate for and support the Research Software Engineer community. They play a crucial role in raising awareness about the importance of research software engineers in academia and research institutions. RSE Ambassadors facilitate networking and collaboration within the community. They also engage in organizing meetings, outreach activities, sharing best practices and help to increase the visibility of the RSE community in Switzerland.

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Find here the Call information.

We particularly encourage applications from volunteers from academic/research institutions with no or very nascent RSE communities and support chosen applicants with the following funding:
• Institutions which are members of the EnhanceR association with 10,000 CHF
• Institutions which are not EnhanceR members with 5,000 CHF

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You can find the list of members at https://www.enhancer.ch/about.

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Timeline for the application:

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  • 23. March 2025: Deadline for submitting application 

  • 11. April 2025: Feedback about decision by the EnhanceR association

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We are organising an open information event online on 3. March 2025, 15:00-15:30, via Zoom. You can also reach out with questions by email to ambassadors@enhancer.ch 

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