Let's stop pretending to be unicorns!

Research software engineers as unicorns: Here comes the magical RSEcorn, flying in, solving all your problems! Or does it? The narrative of the omnipotent RSE which can be used "plug&play" in research projects might be useful for lobbying for recognition and funding, but is problematic for working relationships with researchers. Not only can it lead to frustrations on both sides, it is also the perfect ingredient for imposter syndrome for the RSE. This talk is questioning the way that we, as the RSE community, tend to view and present ourselves, and how this develops into an unhealthy "us vs. them" culture in some parts of the community. I also want to highlight where alternative collaboration patterns already exist, and propose an alternative image for ourselves within the wider research community.A recording of this session is available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/9EVk1vvNVSQ