Helmholtz Quality Indicator for Software Publications
Software Quality Indicator
Research software is an increasingly important research output. Within the Helmholtz Association, software publications will soon also be formally considered in institutional reporting. Starting with the PoF V reporting cycle in 2028, the Software Quality Indicator (SQI) will be a mandatory Key Performance Indicator (KPI) evaluating software publications across Helmholtz Centers.
The SQI introduces a new reporting process for software publications. Software publications can be documented through the Research Software Directory (RSD), which supports the reporting workflow and enables software publications to be considered in future reporting cycles.
Pilot Phase
Before the Software Quality Indicator is measured as a KPI in PoF V, Helmholtz is conducting a pilot phase for the upcoming reporting years. This gives researchers the opportunity to test the workflow and provide feedback before the indicator becomes mandatory.
The pilot phase provides an opportunity to:
- Get prepared: Familiarize yourself with the criteria early on to ensure that your software publications meet the upcoming standards. Mastering these criteria during the pilot phase allows you to integrate the requirements into your existing daily workflow, ensuring a seamless reporting process as part of your publication routine.
- Test the workflow: Be among the first to use the newly implemented features in the Research Software Directory (RSD).
- Provide feedback: Help refine the process and ensure the implementation is practical and effective for the developer community.
Who Is Affected?
The Software Quality Indicator is relevant for researchers and research software developers within the Helmholtz Association who develop and publish research software. Understanding the upcoming reporting requirements now will help ensure that software publications can be properly documented and considered in future reporting cycles.
Further Information
For more background information, please refer to:
For internal information includes slides and videos from information events visit the JuRSE FZJ Intranet page.