From Phd to RSE: Training the Next Generation of Research Software Engineers #RSAA25

In 2024, Australia’s Climate Simulator (ACCESS-NRI) launched the trial phase of a PhD internship program. The program enables PhD students to join the ACCESS-NRI team for a few months and get first-hand experience of what it means to be a Research Software Engineer (RSE) in climate modelling. Interns are offered the chance to learn a range of skills, from developing scientific software collaboratively to understanding the technical foundations of climate models. Within this trial phase, which was open to current PhD students at the Australian National University, we have hosted four interns for 3-4 months each. In this presentation, we will share our experience designing and implementing the program, highlight key learnings and outcomes from the trial phase, and discuss our vision for the full program moving forward. Based on feedback from the trial phase, we plan to extend eligibility to include PhD students from other Australian universities when the full program launches in 2026. Accessible slide notes can be found here