Changing the nature of research: Web development as an integral part of research and RSE identity

Abstract

Web development is a skill that is not typically associated with traditional research roles. However, this domain is becoming increasingly important as more research projects rely on web-based tools and platforms such as web-based interfaces, data visualisation, and online dissemination of research results. This significantly increases the value of web developers within research and cements web development as an integral part of the evolving RSE identity.

Despite the increasing importance of web development in research, this specialism still has limited representation within the RSE community. Therefore, the purpose of this talk is to explore how web developers fit into the overall RSE identity. This talk will explore the perspectives and experiences of an RSE web developer and how their role compares to more traditional RSE responsibilities. I will also examine how web development RSE’s contribute to the changing nature of research and the growing importance of web development skills in the field.

Speaker

James Hughes is a Research Software Developer at UCL, working within the ARC department since August 2020. He was the first RSE within ARC who had a specific focus on developing web applications.

At ARC, he works primarily on projects that require the development of software deployed as an interactive web application. His skills also cover the development of mobile apps, backend APIs, cloud infrastructure, web scraping, and other general software expertise typical of an RSE role (e.g. testing, CI/CD, documentation etc.).

Before becoming an RSE, Dr. Hughes was a Postdoctoral researcher in experimental psychology at the University of Sussex in Brighton. His PhD explored the conditions known as synaesthesia, autism, and savant syndrome and how these conditions are interrelated. He learned web development during his time at Sussex and gradually shifted his focus towards being a full-time RSE web developer.

Joining

This event will be held in-person in at 90 High Holborn, 1st floor Function Space. Please enter from the main building entrance from the main street and ask the reception for entry to 1st floor to attend a UCL event. This talk is scheduled to take approximately an hour, we will follow up with Q&A over food and drinks in the next hour. If you'd like to join us remotely, please use the information below:

Microsoft Teams meeting

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Help with joining remotely

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