Develop a solution to aid smaller research software projects to expand the diversity of their participants

[dr-eric-jensen]

Potential Activity Scope
Smaller research software projects face a more limited set of options for improving the diversity of participants/contributors. An initiative to address this may require the following types of steps to address the challenge:

• Understanding the Landscape: Begin by conducting an assessment of the current state of diversity within smaller research software projects. This involves identifying the specific dimensions of diversity that need to be addressed, such as gender, ethnicity, age, disability, education, and socio-economic status. Understanding the unique challenges, barriers, and opportunities within this context is crucial.

• Engaging Stakeholders: Engage with various stakeholders, including project leaders, participants, diversity and inclusion experts, and community members. Their insights, experiences, and perspectives will inform the development of the solution.

• Defining Objectives and Principles: Clearly articulate the objectives and guiding principles of the solution. This includes defining what success looks like, setting measurable goals, and ensuring alignment with broader diversity and inclusion values.

• Developing Strategies and Tools: Design specific strategies, tools, and resources that address the identified needs and barriers. This may include creating guidelines, training modules, mentorship programs, recruitment strategies, and community engagement initiatives. Consideration should be given to the unique characteristics and constraints of smaller research software projects.

If sufficient time/resources are available, the following additional steps could be considered:

• Piloting the Solution: Implement a pilot version of the solution within selected projects. This allows for testing, refinement, and validation of the approach, ensuring that it is practical, effective, and culturally sensitive.

• Monitoring and Evaluation: Establish a robust monitoring and evaluation framework to track progress, assess impact, and identify areas for improvement. This includes defining clear metrics, indicators, and feedback mechanisms.

• Scaling and Dissemination: Once a solution has been tested and refined, consider how it can be scaled and disseminated to reach a broader audience. This may involve partnerships with organizations, networks, or platforms that cater to smaller research software projects.

• Sustaining the Effort: Consider the sustainability of the solution, ensuring that it can be maintained and adapted over time. This may involve creating a community of practice, securing ongoing funding, or integrating the solution into existing diversity and inclusion initiatives.

Potential Objectives

• To understand the current state of diversity within smaller research software projects by conducting an assessment that identifies specific dimensions of diversity, challenges, barriers, and opportunities.
• To engage with various stakeholders, gathering insights, experiences, and perspectives that will inform the development of the solution.
• To define clear objectives and guiding principles, setting measurable goals, and aligning with broader diversity and inclusion values.
• To design specific strategies, tools, and resources that address the identified needs and barriers, considering the unique characteristics and constraints of smaller research software projects.
• To implement a pilot version of the solution within selected projects, testing, refining, and validating the approach.
• To establish a robust monitoring and evaluation framework to track progress, assess impact, and identify areas for improvement.
• To scale and disseminate the solution once tested and refined, reaching a broader audience through partnerships and collaborations.
• To sustain the effort, ensuring that the solution can be maintained and adapted over time, possibly through a community of practice, ongoing funding, or integration into existing initiatives.

Targeted Impacts

• Enhanced understanding of the diversity landscape within smaller research software projects, leading to more targeted and effective interventions.
• Increased engagement and collaboration with stakeholders, fostering a broader sense of commitment to diversity and inclusion.
• Development of practical strategies, tools, and resources to advance diversity and inclusion, tailored to the specific needs and constraints of smaller research software projects.
• A contribution to lasting diversity and inclusion within smaller research software projects.
• Creation of a more inclusive and vibrant research software ecosystem, where diverse perspectives and experiences are valued and leveraged.

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This potential activity was curated as part of "Charting the Course: Policy and Planning for Sustainable Research Software," a Sloan Foundation-funded project within URSSI dedicated to supporting the future of research software through evidence-informed policy work (Project contacts are: @danielskatz and @dr-eric-jensen). If you are interested in working on this, please add a comment.