We bring together people who design, deliver, or champion training for researchers and research software professionals – Research Software Engineers (RSEs) – but the work done by the SIG and resources recommended can be useful to Digital Research Technology Professionals (dRTPs) more generally.
Our work focuses on three key areas:
1.Developing RSEs as Teachers and Trainers
- How can RSEs grow as educators?
- What professional development opportunities are available?
2.Creating Training Materials for Researchers
- How do we design effective learning materials for teaching computation research skills for diverse audiences?
- How do we build and maintain community-developed training resources?
3. Supporting Training Materials for RSEs
- What skills and competencies RSEs use in their work?
- How do we approach ongoing professional learning for RSEs?
Whether you’re an experienced trainer or just getting started, we welcome your ideas and involvement. Join us and help strengthen training across the research software community.
Steering Group
The Teaching and Training SIG is guided by a steering group who help shape our direction and activities:
- Samantha Ahern – SIG Chair & Trainer Development Chair
- Liam Berrisford – Member (without portfolio)
- Aleksandra Nenadic – RSE Development Chair
- Dimitrios Theodorakis – Researcher Development Chair
Steering group roles
Training SIG Chair
Provides overall leadership and coordination for the SIG, including oversight of activities, events, funding, and Code of Conduct matters. Holds the casting vote when needed.
RSE Development Chair
Leads the SIG’s work on designing, supporting, and advancing training for Research Software Engineers.
Researcher Development Chair
Oversees SIG initiatives related to training and skills development for researchers across disciplines.
Trainer Development Chair
Guides the SIG’s efforts to support RSEs and community members in developing as educators and trainers.
Contact
Join us on RSE Slack: #teaching-and-training-sig to collaborate, share resources, and shape training practice across our community.
Road Map
3 months (Nov 2025 – Jan 2026):
- Apply for funding to support activities to develop and promote a trainer development pathway
- Promote a catalogue of Training mapped to DIRECT and other skills frameworks (surface the efforts from related projects)
- State of the landscape survey and run through the relevant projects (STEP-UP/SCALE-UP, DiscouRSE, CAKE, DRIFT, CaSDAR, CHARTED)
6 months (Feb – Apr 2026):
- Gap analysis (material and delivery) out of the training mapping and landscape survey/analysis activity led by STEP-UP/SCALE-UP
- An activity or presence at the SSI Collaborations Workshop, 28-30 April 2026, Belfast
9 months (May – July 2026):
- Report on the findings from the gap analysis
- Run Collaborative lesson development training (shorter version) for content writers / lesson and course developers
- Writing retreat
12 months (Aug – Oct 2026):
- Network event for training leads (IRSC26 + RSECon26, 7-11 September, Sheffield)
- State of the landscape survey and run through the relevant projects (STEP-UP/SCALE-UP, DiscouRSE, CAKE, DRIFT, CaSDAR, CHARTED)