This article outlines what Research Software management is and why it is important.

What is Research Software?

Not all software generated or used within a research project is functionally considered to be Research Software. The FAIR4RS working group defines Research Software as follows: "Research Software includes source code files, algorithms, scripts, computational workflows and executables that were created during the research process or for a research purpose. Software components (e.g., operating systems, libraries, dependencies, packages, scripts, etc.) that are used for research but were not created during or with a clear research intent should be considered software in research and not Research Software.” (Gruenpeter et al., 2021, Defining Research Software: a controversial discussion, page 16, https://zenodo.org/records/5504016).

For example, using Excel with the intent to create a data sheet is not considered Research Software, but code written in R or Python for data analysis is generally considered to be Research Software. Statistical platforms that require users to generate their own code to execute statistical analyses fall under the definition of Research Software. Statistical platforms that do not require users to generate their own code to execute statistical analysis may (or may not) be considered Research Software, depending on the context and complexity. In general terms, Research Software is operational files used in conjunction with tabular data to carry out research activities.

What is Research Software management?

Research Software management (RSM) involves applying good practices to your Research Software during and after your research project. More specifically, RSM includes the correct handling, organising, storing, preserving, distributing, ethics and legal care of Research Software using the five recommendations for FAIR Research Software and/or the FAIR Principles for Research Software as guidance. FAIR Research Software is findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable.

How to manage your research software?

Researchers are recommended to write a Software Management Plan << link to article about writing an SMP >>. Here, you outline all Research Software management practices throughout and after the research project. These practices include documentation, version control, publication, licensing, and registration of your Research Software.

Why is RSM important (for you)?

WUR recognises Research Software, like research data, as an important output of research. By consistently applying good RSM practices to your Research Software, you can: 

• Align your work with the FAIR principles, increasing the reusability and impact of your Research Software
• Fulfil funder and institutional recommendations and requirements
• Make your research process more efficient, transparent and reproducible
• Ensure your Research Software is understandable and usable, for yourself and others, making your Research Software future-proof
• Increases the visibility and discoverability of your Research Software, which could lead to you being credited and increased recognition and value of your work
• Promotes collaborations across domains 

Questions & Support

Do you have any questions? Feel free to contact us at data@wur.nl.