Do Research Software Engineers and Software Engineering Researchers Speak the Same Language?

TL;DR

This paper investigates the communication gap between Research Software Engineers and Software Engineering Researchers by analyzing terminology differences, aiming to improve mutual understanding and collaboration.

Contribution

It introduces a systematic methodology for mapping and comparing SE terminology between RSEs and SERs, highlighting knowledge gaps and opportunities for alignment.

Findings

Identified terminology divergences between RSEs and SERs

Proposed a systematic approach for terminology mapping

Found potential for mutual learning and collaboration

Abstract

Anecdotal evidence suggests that Research Software Engineers (RSEs) and Software Engineering Researchers (SERs) often use different terminologies for similar concepts, creating communication challenges. To better understand these divergences, we have started investigating how SE fundamentals from the SER community are interpreted within the RSE community, identifying aligned concepts, knowledge gaps, and areas for potential adaptation. Our preliminary findings reveal opportunities for mutual learning and collaboration, and our systematic methodology for terminology mapping provides a foundation for a crowd-sourced extension and validation in the future.