Over the last three decades research in academia and industry has become increasingly reliant on software. A recent survey of RCUK-funded research being undertaken in 15 Russell Group universities found that 92% of researchers used research software, 67% reported that it was fundamental to their research, and 56% said they developed their own software (See Research Software Engineers: State of the Nation Report 2017). Software can therefore now be seen as perhaps the most important research tool across all disciplines, and the design and development of research software is critical to the success of the UK research base.
