FZJ at the Helmholtz Codes! Workshop

Research software is a critical component behind scientific discovery at Helmholtz—and in November 2025, FZJ researchers joined colleagues from across the association to reimagine how Helmholtz supports it.

Fifty research software authors gathered in Berlin for a three-day workshop organized by HiRSE, HIFIS, and HiDA. The goal? To collectively imagine what a world-leading research software ecosystem within Helmholtz could look like.

The workshop took a collaborative "appreciative inquiry" approach, building on what's already working rather than just troubleshooting problems. Participants explored success stories, dreamed big about possibilities without constraints, and then worked on practical pathways forward.

Alongside collaborative sessions, the workshop featured presentations showcasing existing Helmholtz infrastructure and services. A highlight was hearing from Laurent Romary of Inria in France, who shared how other leading research organizations are tackling similar challenges around research software and open science.

The workshop represented an important moment for research software engineering within Helmholtz: practitioners from different domains, centers, and career stages coming together to ensure that the tools, support, and recognition for research software keep pace with its growing importance in science.

For FZJ's research software community, it was an excellent opportunity to connect with colleagues facing similar challenges and to contribute our perspective to shaping Helmholtz's path forward.

Written by: Dorothee Stängle