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

TL;DR

This paper provides ten strategic guidelines to foster effective collaborations between Research Software Engineers and Software Engineering Researchers, emphasizing mutual understanding, proactive engagement, and shared goals to enhance research quality.

Contribution

It introduces a structured set of ten rules specifically designed to bridge the gap and promote collaboration between RSEs and SERs, which was previously underexplored.

Findings

Guidelines improve collaboration effectiveness

Mutual understanding enhances research outcomes

Proactive engagement fosters sustainable partnerships

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.