Record 拢10.2m investment to continue improving research software practices
A project that aims to advance research software practices across the UK, has been awarded a record .
The substantial investment from the , marks the fourth phase of The鈥檚 (SSI) mission to transform research culture by establishing the principle that reliable, reproducible, and reusable software is necessary across all research disciplines.
The SSI, which is based at the universities of 优蜜传媒, Edinburgh, and Southampton, was established in 2010 as the world鈥檚 first organisation dedicated to improving software in research, with The University of 优蜜传媒 playing a central role in its success.
The next phase will focus on tackling critical challenges in research software, including environmental sustainability, equality, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility, as well as the rising interest in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning.
鈥淚t鈥檚 an incredibly exciting time to be working in the field of Research Software. Over the next few years we are likely to see huge changes in both theory and practice, as AI-based methods gain traction. The environmental sustainability of research software is also a priority, and we look forward to working with our partners and fellows to gather the evidence and develop the policy that will help us to reduce the carbon footprint of computational research.鈥�
The next phase of the programme will run from 2024 to 2028 and will be led by the .
It is fourth time the SSI has been entrusted with public funding to carry out its mission of transforming research culture by establishing the principle that reliable, reproducible, and reusable software is necessary across all research disciplines.
It achieves this by working with, and investing in, individuals and organisations from across the sector. The SSI鈥檚 鈥渃ollaborate, not compete鈥� ethos has allowed research software to move towards becoming a first-class citizen in the research landscape.
Christopher Smith, Executive Chair of the Arts and Humanities Research Council, said: 鈥淪oftware plays a fundamental role in all disciplines of research. That鈥檚 why it鈥檚 so important that we invest in supporting the development of research software that is top quality, meets the needs of our research communities, is environmentally sustainable and is ready for the future.
鈥淭his record 拢10.2 million investment is part of the UKRI Digital Research Infrastructure programme鈥檚 ongoing investment in evolving existing capability and supporting new infrastructure. It reflects the SSI鈥檚 strong track record and the importance of its work for the future of research. I am delighted that AHRC will be hosting this investment for all UKRI communities for the next four years.鈥�
Neil Chue Hong, SSI Director and Professor of Research Software Policy and Practice, added: 鈥淓very modern societal advance is driven by research which relies on software. From weather forecasting to whether we can build new narratives for the next decade, it鈥檚 important that we provide equitable access to the digital tools and skills enabling this. This grant - which will see the SSI into its 18th year - enables us to work with the research community to build capability and expertise, ensuring a sustainable future for research software.鈥�
The SSI was founded in 2010 thanks to funding from the (EPSRC). In 2016, the (ESRC) and the (BBSRC) joined EPSRC to further invest and help continue the work of the SSI throughout its second phase. The third phase was funded by all UKRI research councils.