The substantial investment from the UKRI Digital Research Infrastructure Programme , marks the fourth phase of The Software Sustainability Institute ’s (SSI) mission to transform research culture by establishing the principle that reliable, reproducible, and reusable software is necessary across all research disciplines.
The SSI, which is based at the universities of Manchester, Edinburgh, and Southampton, was established in 2010 as the world’s first organisation dedicated to improving software in research, with The University of Manchester playing a central role in its success.
The next phase will focus on tackling critical challenges in research software, including environmental sustainability, equality, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility, as well as the rising interest in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning.
"It’s an incredibly exciting time to be working in the field of Research Software. Over the next few years we are likely to see huge changes in both theory and practice, as AI-based methods gain traction. The environmental sustainability of research software is also a priority, and we look forward to working with our partners and fellows to gather the evidence and develop the policy that will help us to reduce the carbon footprint of computational research."
Caroline Jay, SSI Director of Research and Professor of Computer Science at The University of Manchester
The next phase of the programme will run from 2024 to 2028 and will be led by the Arts and Humanities Research Council.
It is fourth time the SSI has been entrusted with public funding to carry out its mission of transforming research culture by establishing the principle that reliable, reproducible, and reusable software is necessary across all research disciplines.
It achieves this by working with, and investing in, individuals and organisations from across the sector. The SSI’s "collaborate, not compete" ethos has allowed research software to move towards becoming a first-class citizen in the research landscape.
Christopher Smith, Executive Chair of the Arts and Humanities Research Council, said: "Software plays a fundamental role in all disciplines of research. That’s why it’s so important that we invest in supporting the development of research software that is top quality, meets the needs of our research communities, is environmentally sustainable and is ready for the future.
"This record £10.2 million investment is part of the UKRI Digital Research Infrastructure programme’s ongoing investment in evolving existing capability and supporting new infrastructure. It reflects the SSI’s strong track record and the importance of its work for the future of research. I am delighted that AHRC will be hosting this investment for all’UKRI communities for the next four years."
Neil Chue Hong, SSI Director and Professor of Research Software Policy and Practice, added: "Every modern societal advance is driven by research which relies on software. From weather forecasting to whether we can build new narratives for the next decade, it’s important that we provide equitable access to the digital tools and skills enabling this. This grant - which will see the SSI into its 18th year - enables us to work with the research community to build capability and expertise, ensuring a sustainable future for research software."
The SSI was founded in 2010 thanks to funding from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). In 2016, the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) joined EPSRC to further invest and help continue the work of the SSI throughout its second phase. The third phase was funded by all’UKRI research councils.
