Simon Hettrick

10 September 2025 - RSECon, Warwick ORCID: 0000-0002-6809-5195

The power of recognition

What RSEs can teach the research sector

If we don't recognise everyone who is vital to research,

we limit our ability to conduct research.

RSE Conference 2016

https://slides.com/simonhettrick/why-we-need-careers-for-research-software-engineers-10-13-17
https://society-rse.org/events/rse16/

I’ve been with the community from its very start and, after this week, I have never felt so positive about its future.

"We are agreed! We will make another meaningless change to the holiday leave application form."

RSE Con 2024

Research Outputs [*]
Research Impact [†]
Research Environment [‡]

* It's not actually called this, it's called the "Contribution to Knowledge and Understanding"... but I'm amongst friends

† They called this one "Engagement and impact"

‡ And this one's actually called "People, culture and environment"

157 universities

Publications are the Bhurj Khalifa

Height = 830m

Exhibitions are a typical UK house

~ 5m

Software is a matchbox

~ 5cm

(standing on its side)

Publications are Thrust SSC

763mph

Exhibitions are a horse

~ 20mph

(cantering not galloping)

Software is a snail

~ 0.05mph

Publications are a Blue Whale

~ 120,000kg

Exhibitions are a Crocodile

~ 750kg

Software is a Dachshund

~ 7kg

What's your problem with papers?

People who are

vital to research

People who are named in publications

Academics

RSEs, Technicians,

Librarians, Data

Stewards, PRISMS,

RMAs... and more

The Venn of academic importance and recognition

Main Awards

Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Original Screenplay, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Animated Feature, Best International Feature Film.

Technical & Artistic

Best Cinematography, Best Film Editing, Best Production Design, Best Costume Design, Best Makeup and Hairstyling, Best Visual Effects, Best Sound

Music & Shorts

Best Original Score, Best Original Song, Best Animated Short Film, Best Live Action Short Film, Best Documentary Feature, Best Documentary Short Subject