Bridging Academia and Industry: An RSE's Perspective on Commercial Collaboration

Research Software Engineers (RSEs) often operate at the intersection of software development and academic inquiry. However, their roles can extend far beyond traditional research boundaries. This presentation explores the unique challenges and insights gained from working as an RSE on a commercial project in partnership with a university. Unlike typical research-focused roles, commercial engagements involve navigating complex contract negotiations, company politics, and differing expectations in project management and delivery. Drawing from a recent experience, I will detail a collaboration where a company initially relied on generative AI to convert mathematical formulas into Python code. When the results fell short, both mathematical insight and computational rigor were needed—prompting the company to seek support from our university. This case study highlights the technical, organizational, and interpersonal skills required of RSEs in commercial settings, as well as the pros and cons of stepping beyond purely research-oriented work.A recording of this session is available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/rSf47rbtYtw