Software and skills for research computing in the UK

Software and the people who produce it have revolutionised the way that research is conducted, pervading all aspects of the research lifecycle. These emerging tools and techniques require new skills and, often, new forms of research collaboration that combine a variety of professional capabilities. This report delivers a better understanding of the software and skills required in order for research computing in the UK to respond to the challenges it faces over the next five years across three overlapping levels: people, infrastructure, and policy.

This study has been funded through the UKRI Digital Research Infrastructure programme, and will contribute to the development of national programmes. It was undertaken between December 2021 and August 2022 by the Software Sustainability Institute, with researchers based at the University of Edinburgh and the University of Southampton, in collaboration with Dr Michelle Barker.