Enabling New Pathways for Research Software Engineers: Three Years of the UNIVERSE-HPC Project

Research now often relies on computational methods and software. Increasingly, those with the new professional role of Research Software Engineer (RSE) are applying software engineering expertise to research problems. However, diverse backgrounds and lack of defined entry points and pathways make it harder for RSEs to develop their careers through training and education. The UNIVERSE-HPC project has worked to identify the key challenges, and developed a framework for RSE Education and Training, a platform for hosting and managing training, and innovative ways of integrating and delivering it in more accessible formats. To make RSE skills and careers more accessible, the education and training ecosystem needs to be easier to navigate. This work includes some recommendations.