CODE beyond FAIR: a roadmap for reusable research software

Area of Science:

• Computer Science
• Software Engineering
• Scientific Research

Background:

• FAIR principles promote data sharing and reuse.
• Research software, unlike static data, is dynamic and requires specific approaches.
• The current ecosystem lacks standardized practices for research software management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To adapt FAIR principles for research software.
• To propose a tiered roadmap for improving research software quality and accessibility.
• To engage diverse stakeholders in the research software lifecycle.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of the differences between research data and research software.
• Review of free and open-source software best practices.
• Development of a stakeholder-inclusive, tiered roadmap.

Main Results:

• Identification of key challenges in research software management.
• A structured, tiered roadmap for enhancing research software.
• Consideration of various stakeholder needs, including researchers, institutions, funders, libraries, and publishers.

Conclusions:

• Research software requires tailored approaches beyond traditional data management.
• A collaborative, tiered strategy is essential for improving research software.
• Implementing the proposed roadmap can foster greater research reproducibility and reuse.