From f0bfbb4c37517e184a6898431d69de06b4adcc11 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: T D James Date: Fri, 13 Feb 2026 12:38:34 +0000 Subject: [PATCH 1/5] Add event pages for Git With It, Testing & CI and Packaging --- _events/fair2rs-2026-03-02-git-with-it.md | 70 +++++++++++++++++++++++ _events/fair2rs-2026-03-09-testing.md | 67 ++++++++++++++++++++++ _events/fair2rs-2026-03-19-packaging.md | 62 ++++++++++++++++++++ 3 files changed, 199 insertions(+) create mode 100644 _events/fair2rs-2026-03-02-git-with-it.md create mode 100644 _events/fair2rs-2026-03-09-testing.md create mode 100644 _events/fair2rs-2026-03-19-packaging.md diff --git a/_events/fair2rs-2026-03-02-git-with-it.md b/_events/fair2rs-2026-03-02-git-with-it.md new file mode 100644 index 00000000..a7760a91 --- /dev/null +++ b/_events/fair2rs-2026-03-02-git-with-it.md @@ -0,0 +1,70 @@ +--- +title: "Git With It" +category: workshop +tags: fair4rs, fair, software, version control, git, collaboration +permalink: /training/fair4rs/2026-03-02-git-with-it +date: 2026-03-02 +from: "09:00" +to: "13:00" +location: "Information Commons - Computer Room 3 (3.02)" +speaker: "RSE Team" +--- + +This course aims to help you develop a deeper understanding of how Git works to facilitate collaboration. It builds on +foundational Git courses such as Software Carpentry: Git Novice and Git and GitHub through GitKraken : From Zero to +Hero! (available in this training program too). + +The core idea around the course is that by improving your understanding of working with branches and how to make your +commits tidier and neater it makes it easier to understand pull requests and Git history which in turn makes it easier +to collaborate and work on code with others (including your future self!). + +The course is split into six episodes. The first introduces how to customise the configuration of your Git repository +and how to make informative and atomic commits which makes the history easier to read and understand. Once the concepts +of clean history are complete the material moves on to discuss branches, how to switch between branches, moving around +the history of a branch, correcting commits made to the wrong branch and stashing work in progress. This foundation of +how branches work is the basis of the next episode which shows how to deal with diverging branches. The concept of Git +hooks are then introduced along with the Pre-Commit framework. Finally examples of how to leverage Continuous +Integration in your workflow are introduced. + +*This event is for University of Sheffield researchers and research students only.* + +**Prerequisite skills:** Participants will be expected to know the basics of Git and familiarity with GitHub. This +includes how to create branches, make commits, create pull requests. A good foundational course would be the [Git, +GitHub and GitKraken : From Zero to +Hero](https://rse.shef.ac.uk/training/fair4rs/#git-github-and-gitkraken---from-zero-to-hero) course. + +**Learning Objectives** + +After completing this course, participants should be able to: + +* Make atomic commits of related pieces of work that facilitate a clean history. +* Have a deeper understanding of Git’s references and how they form branches. +* Be comfortable switching branches, moving to commits in the history of a branch and undoing changes. +* Understand how branches diverge and how to update diverged branches. +* Have a working knowledge of Git Hooks. +* Have a working knowledge of pre-commit. +* Use pre-commit in their Continuous Integration. + +This course will be run **in-person**. + +
+ +We are delighted to be able to make free at point of use training available to the research community, to enable better +software and more open, reproducible research. However, **free at point of use training is not free**. The cost of a +course can easily run to thousands of pounds, if preparation costs are taken into account. + +**If you sign up for a course, please make sure you either attend or cancel your booking.** Bookings can usually be +managed using [myDevelopment](https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/nap/service/redirect/mydev) or, failing that, by emailing +[rse@sheffield.ac.uk](mailto:rse@sheffield.ac.uk). + +Running courses that are not fully attended wastes our funding (which is provided by taxpayers, charities and students, +amongst others) and reduces our collective capacity to improve research outputs and researcher experiences. + +Persistent failure to attend booked courses might result in you being excluded from future training opportunities. + +
+ +More details and registration via +[myDevelopment](https://mydevelopment.csod.com/ui/lms-learning-details/app/event/6197989b-bef2-4352-a14b-02c4f45bbca6). + +**Course material:** diff --git a/_events/fair2rs-2026-03-09-testing.md b/_events/fair2rs-2026-03-09-testing.md new file mode 100644 index 00000000..b9408413 --- /dev/null +++ b/_events/fair2rs-2026-03-09-testing.md @@ -0,0 +1,67 @@ +--- +title: "Testing and Continuous Integration" +category: workshop +tags: fair4rs, fair, software, reproducibility, testing, continuous integration +permalink: /training/fair4rs/2026-03-09-testing +date: 2026-03-09 +from: "13:00" +to: "16:30" +location: "Information Commons - Computer Room 3 (3.02)" +speaker: "Sylvia Whittle/RSE team" +--- + +This course equips researchers with the skills to write effective tests and ensure the quality and reliability of their +research software. No prior testing experience is required! We'll guide you through the fundamentals of software testing +using Python's Pytest framework, a powerful and beginner-friendly tool. You'll also learn how to integrate automated +testing into your development workflow using continuous integration (CI). CI streamlines your process by automatically +running tests with every code change, catching bugs early and saving you time. By the end of the course, you'll be able +to write clear tests, leverage CI for efficient development, and ultimately strengthen the foundation of your scientific +findings. + +**Target Audience:** This course is aimed at people who know the basics of Python programming and who write code or +software for research, from writing a couple of scripts to automate data collection to writing entire data analysis +software. The course is particularly relevant to people who would like to follow best practices and increase the +reliability & integrity of their research. + +**Prerequisite skills:** Attendees should have basic computer literacy (knowledge of files and folders), to be familiar +with use of Github at a basic level (committing, pushing, repos). They should also be comfortable with the very basics +of Python programming / scripting. Knowing how to write functions and do basic operations should be all that is required +with respect to Python. + +*This event is for University of Sheffield researchers and research students only.* + +**Learning Objectives** + +After completing this course, participants should be able to: + +* Understand how testing can be used to improve code & research reliability +* Be comfortable with writing basic tests & running them +* Be able to construct a simple Python project that incorporates tests +* Be familiar with testing best practices such as unit testing & the AAA pattern +* Be aware of more advanced testing features such as fixtures & parametrization +* Understand what Continuous Integration is and why it is useful +* Be able to add testing to a GitHub repository with simple Continuous Integration + +This course will be run **in-person**. + +
+ +We are delighted to be able to make free at point of use training available to the research community, to enable better +software and more open, reproducible research. However, **free at point of use training is not free**. The cost of a +course can easily run to thousands of pounds, if preparation costs are taken into account. + +**If you sign up for a course, please make sure you either attend or cancel your booking.** Bookings can usually be +managed using [myDevelopment](https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/nap/service/redirect/mydev) or, failing that, by emailing +[rse@sheffield.ac.uk](mailto:rse@sheffield.ac.uk). + +Running courses that are not fully attended wastes our funding (which is provided by taxpayers, charities and students, +amongst others) and reduces our collective capacity to improve research outputs and researcher experiences. + +Persistent failure to attend booked courses might result in you being excluded from future training opportunities. + +
+ +More details and registration via +[myDevelopment](https://mydevelopment.csod.com/ui/lms-learning-details/app/event/460c53c5-40e4-4c97-ab4f-144213544026). + +**Course material:** diff --git a/_events/fair2rs-2026-03-19-packaging.md b/_events/fair2rs-2026-03-19-packaging.md new file mode 100644 index 00000000..08610cfd --- /dev/null +++ b/_events/fair2rs-2026-03-19-packaging.md @@ -0,0 +1,62 @@ +--- +title: "Software Packaging" +category: workshop +tags: fair4rs, fair, software, reproducibility, packaging +permalink: /training/fair4rs/2026-03-19-packaging +date: 2026-03-19 +from: "12:30" +to: "16:00" +location: "Hicks Building - G25" +speaker: "DAS Team" +--- + +Research software is increasingly becoming a key and fundamental part of research. There is a growing recognition that +research software would benefit from adhering to the FAIR principles which is the main motivation behind the FAIR4RS +(Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable for Research Software) principles. This is an extension of the FAIR +principles, which acknowledges the applicability of the FAIR approach to research software. + +Software packaging has many benefits, such as enabling your research software to be discovered, installed, and utilised +with ease. The course will explore the fundamental concepts of FAIR4RS, how it applies to packaging, its execution +within Python, and the adoption of best practices in this domain. + +Target audience: + + This course is aimed at researchers, including postgraduate research students, who are looking to make their code more + discoverable, readily usable, and reproducible through the use of packaging. + +**Prerequisite skills:** Basic understanding of Python. Experience with version control/Git/GitHub. + +*This event is for University of Sheffield researchers and research students only.* + + +**Learning Objectives** + +After completing this course, participants should be able to: + +* Create well-structured Python packages with clear documentation and modularised code. +* Incorporate Continuous Integration pipelines to automate testing and ensure package reliability. +* Distribute Python packages through package repositories and manage versioning to facilitate adoption and updates. + +This course will be run **in-person**. + +
+ +We are delighted to be able to make free at point of use training available to the research community, to enable better +software and more open, reproducible research. However, **free at point of use training is not free**. The cost of a +course can easily run to thousands of pounds, if preparation costs are taken into account. + +**If you sign up for a course, please make sure you either attend or cancel your booking.** Bookings can usually be +managed using [myDevelopment](https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/nap/service/redirect/mydev) or, failing that, by emailing +[rse@sheffield.ac.uk](mailto:rse@sheffield.ac.uk). + +Running courses that are not fully attended wastes our funding (which is provided by taxpayers, charities and students, +amongst others) and reduces our collective capacity to improve research outputs and researcher experiences. + +Persistent failure to attend booked courses might result in you being excluded from future training opportunities. + +
+ +More details and registration via +[myDevelopment](https://mydevelopment.csod.com/ui/lms-learning-details/app/event/0cbafddd-4c31-4e8a-bce6-a12e895a4acf). + +**Course material:** From 1a86c46c7b1ba988ef80fed5bd031e16dc6155a7 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: T D James Date: Mon, 23 Feb 2026 10:46:48 +0000 Subject: [PATCH 2/5] Update _events/fair2rs-2026-03-09-testing.md Co-authored-by: Neil Shephard --- _events/fair2rs-2026-03-09-testing.md | 2 +- 1 file changed, 1 insertion(+), 1 deletion(-) diff --git a/_events/fair2rs-2026-03-09-testing.md b/_events/fair2rs-2026-03-09-testing.md index b9408413..5a15a3a5 100644 --- a/_events/fair2rs-2026-03-09-testing.md +++ b/_events/fair2rs-2026-03-09-testing.md @@ -24,7 +24,7 @@ software. The course is particularly relevant to people who would like to follow reliability & integrity of their research. **Prerequisite skills:** Attendees should have basic computer literacy (knowledge of files and folders), to be familiar -with use of Github at a basic level (committing, pushing, repos). They should also be comfortable with the very basics +with use of GitHub at a basic level (committing, pushing, repos). They should also be comfortable with the very basics of Python programming / scripting. Knowing how to write functions and do basic operations should be all that is required with respect to Python. From a91a2b12ede91cd6b9d575783df46be0b11e914c Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: T D James Date: Mon, 23 Feb 2026 10:48:35 +0000 Subject: [PATCH 3/5] Update _events/fair2rs-2026-03-02-git-with-it.md Co-authored-by: Neil Shephard --- _events/fair2rs-2026-03-02-git-with-it.md | 2 +- 1 file changed, 1 insertion(+), 1 deletion(-) diff --git a/_events/fair2rs-2026-03-02-git-with-it.md b/_events/fair2rs-2026-03-02-git-with-it.md index a7760a91..36057d65 100644 --- a/_events/fair2rs-2026-03-02-git-with-it.md +++ b/_events/fair2rs-2026-03-02-git-with-it.md @@ -11,7 +11,7 @@ speaker: "RSE Team" --- This course aims to help you develop a deeper understanding of how Git works to facilitate collaboration. It builds on -foundational Git courses such as Software Carpentry: Git Novice and Git and GitHub through GitKraken : From Zero to +foundational Git courses such as [Software Carpentry: Git Novice](https://swcarpentry.github.io/git-novice/) and [Git and GitHub through GitKraken](https://srse-git-github-zero2hero.netlify.app/) : From Zero to Hero! (available in this training program too). The core idea around the course is that by improving your understanding of working with branches and how to make your From ceef9bc8d018f317c541b0f58b88fec6e81fdb25 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: T D James Date: Mon, 23 Feb 2026 10:50:46 +0000 Subject: [PATCH 4/5] Tidy link to GGHGK --- _events/fair2rs-2026-03-02-git-with-it.md | 5 +++-- 1 file changed, 3 insertions(+), 2 deletions(-) diff --git a/_events/fair2rs-2026-03-02-git-with-it.md b/_events/fair2rs-2026-03-02-git-with-it.md index 36057d65..33143f05 100644 --- a/_events/fair2rs-2026-03-02-git-with-it.md +++ b/_events/fair2rs-2026-03-02-git-with-it.md @@ -11,8 +11,9 @@ speaker: "RSE Team" --- This course aims to help you develop a deeper understanding of how Git works to facilitate collaboration. It builds on -foundational Git courses such as [Software Carpentry: Git Novice](https://swcarpentry.github.io/git-novice/) and [Git and GitHub through GitKraken](https://srse-git-github-zero2hero.netlify.app/) : From Zero to -Hero! (available in this training program too). +foundational Git courses such as [Software Carpentry: Git Novice](https://swcarpentry.github.io/git-novice/) and [Git +and GitHub through GitKraken : From Zero to Hero!](https://srse-git-github-zero2hero.netlify.app/) (available in this +training program too). The core idea around the course is that by improving your understanding of working with branches and how to make your commits tidier and neater it makes it easier to understand pull requests and Git history which in turn makes it easier From 893b5bc5885de56c4f4f3c562bc241dbf1cfdff2 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Neil Shephard Date: Fri, 6 Mar 2026 18:17:45 +0000 Subject: [PATCH 5/5] chore: Newsletter 2026-03 Closes #874 External events are roughly in chronological order although I've deliberately put RSECon26 call of submissions/reviewers at the top in the hope that it gets seen more widely. Thanks to @Robadob for picking up an out-of-date entry and some clarity/emphasis. --- _newsletters/2026-03-06-newsletter.md | 190 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 1 file changed, 190 insertions(+) create mode 100644 _newsletters/2026-03-06-newsletter.md diff --git a/_newsletters/2026-03-06-newsletter.md b/_newsletters/2026-03-06-newsletter.md new file mode 100644 index 00000000..41e62831 --- /dev/null +++ b/_newsletters/2026-03-06-newsletter.md @@ -0,0 +1,190 @@ +--- +layout: post +title: March 2026 Newsletter +editor: Neil Shephard +slug: 2026-03-09-newsletter +date: 2026-03-09T12:00:00Z+0100 +tags: +category: +link: +description: +type: text +--- + +## The University of Sheffield Research Software Engineering Community Newsletter March 2026 + +Welcome to the March 2026 newsletter for the research software community at The University of Sheffield, featuring +news, opportunities, events and training for you. + +--- + +## News + +- [RSE FORGE Calls](https://rse.shef.ac.uk/collaboration/RSEtime/forge): Get two days of focused RSE support to help + improve your research software. This call is open throughout the year for University of Sheffield researchers looking + to get free focused RSE time for their research software. + +--- + +## Events + + + + + + + + + + +### FAIR2 for Research Software Training + +The [FAIR2 for Research Software](https://fair2-for-research-software.github.io) training continues with the following courses which are bookable via the myDevelopment links below (you need to be signed into MUSE to access these). + +- 2026-03-19 [Packaging](https://mydevelopment.csod.com/ui/lms-learning-details/app/event/0cbafddd-4c31-4e8a-bce6-a12e895a4acf?isOnePlayer=true) +- 2026-04-29 [Documentation](https://mydevelopment.csod.com/ui/lms-learning-details/app/event/7c81f9fd-656f-4ae9-ba48-bc83afe81cc2?isOnePlayer=true) +- 2026-05-11 [Publishing](https://mydevelopment.csod.com/ui/lms-learning-details/app/event/9fa9503c-81a1-4667-af7b-14d62a4b82bc?isOnePlayer=true) + + +### Upcoming External Events + +- [RSECon26 Call for Submissions, Reviewers and Emerging Voices Opens](https://rsecon26.society-rse.org/calls/). You may + have heard that the [Society of RSEs](http://society-rse.org) annual conference will be held in **Sheffield 9-11th + September this year**. Submissions are now open and there is a [Webinar](https://forms.gle/hncAeUivJ7oWnZzH8) + **2026-03-10** to introduce the team and discuss the submissions and reviewers call. +- [GPU Programming using OpenMP](https://www.archer2.ac.uk/training/courses/260309-gpu-directives/) this course will + provide an introduction to GPU programming with directives, aimed at scientific application programmers wishing to + develop their own software. Online 10:00-12:00 **2026-03-09** to **2026-03-18** +- [Grace Hopper Drop-in session](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/grace-hopper-drop-in-session-tickets-1983250027219) an + open, interactive online event designed specifically for the academic high‑performance computing community intersted + in exploring the power of NVIDIA Grace Hopper architecture in computational workflows. **2026-03-11** +- [BriCS x Turing - Isambard-AI workshop](https://www.turing.ac.uk/events/brics-x-turing-isambard-ai-workshop) + **2026-03-12** **NB** - Registration has closed but you can joint the waiting list +- [Scientific Community Engagement Fundamentals](https://www.cscce.org/trainings/cef/) is an online 8 week modular + training from the [CSCCE](https://www.cscce.org/) for scientific community managers **2026-03-19 to 2026-05-07** +- [Documenting open research practices in the arts, humanities and social sciences: +MORPHSS Catalogue launch event and panel +discussion](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/morphss-catalogue-launch-event-and-panel-discussion-tickets-1982686061382?aff=oddtdtcreator) +this event introduces the MORPHSS Catalogue of open research practices in the arts, humanities and social sciences and +invites responses and discussion from an invited panel of experts across these fields. **2026-03-19** +- [London Open Science & Scholarship Festival + 2026](https://blogs.ucl.ac.uk/open-access/2026/03/05/london-open-science-scholarship-festival-2026/) **2026-04-20** to **2026-04-24** + +--- + +## Articles, Blogs, Papers & Podcasts + +### Articles & Blogs + +- [UKRI Artificial Intelligence Research and Innovation Strategic Framework](https://www.ukri.org/publications/ukri-artificial-intelligence-research-and-innovation-strategic-framework/) +- [HPC Carpentry Approved into The Carpentries Lesson Programmes](https://carpentries.org/blog/2026/02/adopting-hpc-carpentry/) +- [Co-Creating DAHRSE Midlands: Vision, Voices, and Next Steps](https://www.software.ac.uk/blog/co-creating-dahrse-midlands-vision-voices-and-next-steps) +- [2026 International RSE Survey](https://www.software.ac.uk/news/2026-international-rse-survey) Closes **2026-03-20** +- [Shaping the Future of dRTP Training: Join the RSESociety 2026 Landscape + Survey](https://society-rse.org/shaping-the-future-of-drtp-training-join-the-2026-landscape-survey/) Closes + **2026-03-31** + + +#### RSE Sheffield Blog Updates + +- [Research Software Engineering Sheffield - Managing Research Code at Sheffield: Getting Started with GitHub Organisations](https://rse.sheffield.ac.uk/blog/2026-01-30-github-organisations/) + +### Papers + +- [How generative AI is shaping research software development and maintenance at a research-intensive university](https://doi.org/10.12688/openreseurope.22009.1) + + +### Podcasts & Videos + +- [ByteSized: how to get your (digital) ducks in a row - with Richard + Acton](https://codeforthought.buzzsprout.com/1326658/episodes/18674534-en-bytesized-how-to-get-your-digital-ducks-in-a-row-with-richard-acton) + +--- + +## Opportunities + +- [Short Industry Fellowships](https://royalsociety.org/grants/short-industry-fellowships/) part of the +Royal Society's Industry programme, enables scientists employed in industry or academia and/or their postdoctoral +researcher to have shorter more dynamic engagements between academia and industry, working on a mutually beneficial and +collaborative project. Opens **2026-04-02** + + +--- + +## Jobs + +- [Research Software Engineer - Forecast-in-a-box (DestinE), Forecasts and Services + Department](https://jobs.ecmwf.int/Job/JobDetail?JobId=10381). A 2 year position with possibility of + extensions. Closing date **2026-03-29** + +### Community + +#### Digital Research Practice Support Community + +The DRPS community is a group for people that support researchers in carrying out research in the digital age. Meetings +are held monthly, with discussions around events, training and opportunities related to the field. + +You can join the google group +[here](https://groups.google.com/u/1/a/sheffield.ac.uk/g/digital-research-practice-support-community-group/about) to +stay informed. + +The next meeting is scheduled for 2pm on Wednesday 2026-03-25. + + + + +### Support + +#### Code Clinics + +Why not come to a [Code Clinic][CCs]? We're keen to help you. + +Code Clinics are fortnightly supported sessions run by the RSE team and IT Services’ [Research +IT][its-res-it] team. They are open to anyone at TUoS writing code for research to get help with programming problems +and general advice on best practices. + +At each session, members of the RSE and/or Research IT teams will be available to review code, advise, troubleshoot, and +suggest ways to improve your computational workflows. + +#### Research IT HPC Drop In + +HPC Drop-In sessions are providing assistance with HPC related user issues such as challenges in scaling an application +from desktop to supercomputer. We are considering extending the number of our sessions to two or three weekly. These +interactive sessions could provide a better interface with our users than our non-interactive ticketing system. These +sessions are advertised on the [HPC mailing list][hpc-mailing]. + +#### Research IT Consultations + +Alongside the HPC Drop-In sessions, Research IT are also running one to one consultations to solve in depth user +specific problems. These consultations can be booked via our webpage. If you are interested please visit the following +link: . + +## Sheffield RSE Team + +The Sheffield RSE Team aims to [collaborate][rse-service] with you to help improve your research software. They can +[provide dedicated staff][rse-provision] to ensure that you can deliver excellent research software engineering on your +research projects. + +## Research IT + +[Research IT][its-res-it] directly supports research, both academic and commercial. We provide large scale HPC systems, +advice on everything from statistics to ML to data pipelines and training for both students and staff. + +Working with academics, our staff are embedded within research groups on both long and short term engagements. + +[CCs]: https://rse.shef.ac.uk/support/code-clinic/ +[hpc-mailing]: https://groups.google.com/u/1/a/sheffield.ac.uk/g/hpc +[its-res-it]: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/it-services/research/ +[lunchbytes]: https://rse.shef.ac.uk/community/lunch-bytes/ +[rse-provision]: https://rse.shef.ac.uk/collaboration/provision/ +[rse-service]: https://rse.shef.ac.uk/collaboration/