Recommendations for Developing Effective Inclusivity Initiatives in Research Software Engineering

In the United Kingdom, research software engineering is not only less diverse than the overall workforce in terms of race and gender but also falls behind both academia and the commercial software sector. This limits the availability of the diverse perspectives and skills needed to tackle today’s complex research challenges. To develop meaningful inclusivity initiatives, we need to understand the workplace experiences of underrepresented individuals who contribute to research software development. However, such sociological research often places a significant emotional burden on participants, which is not always balanced by sufficient benefits. In this article, we introduce 10 guidelines for conducting research that promote ownership and equity for participants from underrepresented groups, with recommendations specific to the research software community. Our guidelines are rooted in a coproduction approach, partnering with underrepresented individuals throughout the research process. This ensures that the most pressing issues are addressed, leading to initiatives that can positively influence research software culture and benefit research outcomes.