reformulate module 1

Author: mhagdorn

paper.tex

@@ -263,24 +263,25 @@ \subsection{Module 1: Foster a local Network of RSEs}%
 \label{sec:network}
 
 One of the core responsibilities of an RSE unit is to act as a coordinator of RSE activities across the institution.
-At virtually every academic institution there are employees that assume at least part-time the role of an RSE.
+Research software is an integral part of modern research. 
+There are, therefore, researchers in every institution that at least sometimes perform the tasks of an RSE.
 These RSEs typically work isolated from similar RSEs in different groups, within the same institution.
-A central RSE unit provides a condensation core and connects RSEs in spokes with each other and with those at the hub.
+The central RSE unit together we the embedded RSEs form a hub and spokes network.
 
-Connecting RSEs in spokes has multiple, positive effects, both for them as well as for the organisation.
+Connecting embedded RSEs has multiple, positive effects, both for them as well as for the organisation:
 It will enable them to get to know others in similar situations and to learn from as well as support each other.
-Contact with the central RSE unit will also help RSEs to professionalise their software-related work, which will directly benefit not only themselves but also their research groups.
-In addition, the networking opportunities allow the distribution of knowledge about tools and resources within network partners, including the central RSE unit.
-There are many RSE skills for which mastering can take many years; time that a part-time RSE usually can not spare.
-A central RSE unit can make sure to connect RSEs in spokes to others with the relevant expertise or offer it themselves.
-Fostering the network also enables the RSE unit to monitor institutional RSE activities, thereby providing the insight necessary to prevent duplication of work and support synergies.
+Embedded RSEs can ask a central RSE unit for advice on specific problems.
+They can also pass some tasks to the central RSE unit if they lack the knowledge or resources to solve those themselves.
+Contact with the central RSE unit also help RSEs to professionalise their software-related work, which will directly benefit not only themselves but also their research groups.
+Additionally, the networking opportunities allow the distribution of knowledge about tools and resources within the network.
+Information also flows from the embedded RSEs to the central RSE unit allowing it to discover common requirements and opportunities to centralise some services.
 
 How an RSE unit realises this task will depend heavily on its environment and resources.
-We only mention a few examples here to provide inspiration, with the explicit claim of incompleteness.
-These include talks, seminars, workshops, meet-ups, hackathons, as well as informal regulars' tables.
-As a foundation, a central RSE unit employs experienced RSEs, mostly at the post-doctoral level, who are not only expert software engineers, but also good communicators with the ability to work interdisciplinarily.
+We only mention a few examples here to provide inspiration, with the explicit claim of incompleteness:
+talks, seminars, workshops, hackathons, as well as informal meet-ups all facilitate establishing a local network of RSEs.
+As a foundation, a central RSE unit employs experienced RSEs, mostly at the post-doctoral level, who are not only expert software engineers, but also good communicators with the ability to work in interdisciplinary teams.
 At least a core of a central RSE unit's employees need to have permanent contracts to be able to offer that deep expertise that requires years of experience.
-Moreover, an onboarding process can serve as an entry point for new RSEs, whether in the hub or in spokes, into an institution's network.
+Moreover, an onboarding process can serve as an entry point for new RSEs, whether in the central RSE unit or as an embedded RSE, into an institution's network.
 This gives an opportunity to gauge how the new colleague can benefit from the RSE unit's teaching services and whom they might want to network with based on their planned work.
 Similarly an off-boarding process can help to make sure that all acquired knowledge that is relevant to the institution is passed on to someone who stays, even if possibly not within the specific research group.