RSEs 2035: Surviving or Thriving in the Age of AI

The role of Research Software Engineers (RSEs) has become critical for progress in many research domains, as they build the computational tools that drive discovery. But with AI’s rapid growth in research, their future is in question. Will AI simply automate RSEs’ work, or will it prove their value as crucial partners? I argue that while AI can generate code, it lacks the human expertise to design robust systems, validate complex solutions, and provide the oversight needed for responsible research software.I explore the possibilities for RSEs to play either a limited role or a leading one. By examining corporate narratives about automation, new AI-driven research platforms, shifts in the workforce, and major national projects like the U.S. National AI Research Resource (NAIRR), I assume that the profession’s future is not set. The conclusion is that survival requires intentional action, including recognizing software as scholarship, investing in workforce development, and proactively addressing the policy implications of AI in research.