Merge pull request #146 from mhagdorn/mh-complexity-habitat

complexity habitat

Author: knarrff

paper.tex

@@ -112,6 +112,13 @@ \section{Motivation for central RSE units}
 Tasks that Research Software Engineers (RSEs) perform include training, \eg{} to improve the quality of code produced by researchers~\autocite{Ostlund2023}, consultation services, \eg{} regarding frameworks or algorithm selection, and the development of existing or new software.
 For an overview of typical tasks of RSEs and the competencies required, see~\autocite{goth_foundational_competencies_2024}, especially section\ 4.4:\ “RSE tasks and responsibilities”.
 
+Research software is getting increasingly complex.
+This is partly because the scientific problems being tackled using software
+are getting bigger.
+However, the software is also expected to be reliable, secure and easy to use.
+Handling this increased complexity whilst ensuring timely delivery requires
+dedicated RSEs in central RSE units.
+
 \subsection{Pooling: a necessary ingredient}
 The main focus of this paper lies on central RSE teams since the benefits of RSEs to research in general are described elsewhere, \eg{} in~\autocite{Anzt2021}.
 The main advantages of central RSE units all stem from the pooling of resources.
@@ -142,6 +149,12 @@ \subsection{Pooling: a necessary ingredient}
 A central RSE team can, due to its proximity to research, much better listen to the wishes expressed by researchers and then help formulate needs and act as a channel to either fulfil them themselves or reformulate and redirect the request.
 The results are increased research speed and quality and, with that, a higher reputation of the entire research organisation.
 
+Working in a research institution is very stimulating.
+However, an embedded RSE can feel very lonely when they do not have anybody to
+discuss technical problems.
+A central RSE unit also provides a social space for RSEs where this exchange
+can easily happen.
+
 \subsection{Pooling: an already tested idea}
 The idea to pool resources in specific areas within an organisation is not new.
 For example, similar arguments can and have been made for research data support.