Build a broad-based community mentoring program for research software focused on diversity across a range of dimensions

[dr-eric-jensen]

Potential Activity Scope
Building a broad-based community mentoring program for research software, focused on diversity across various dimensions, requires a strategic approach.

The first step is to clarify the dimensions of diversity that the program aims to address. The target audience must also be defined.

Collaboration with existing affinity groups like Rladies, Women in Data Science, and others is essential, as they can provide valuable insights, resources, and connections. The structure of the mentoring program must be designed, including the duration, format, matching process, goals, and expected outcomes, with different tracks or tiers to cater to diverse needs.

Recruitment of mentors and mentees should emphasize the program's commitment to diversity and inclusion, and training sessions should be offered to equip mentors with the necessary skills. A thoughtful matching process that considers the diverse needs and preferences of both mentors and mentees is crucial, along with ongoing monitoring and support mechanisms.

Potential Objectives

• To clarify the dimensions of diversity that the program aims to address, including sociodemographic factors, neurodiversity, cognitive styles, and different skill levels, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of diversity within the research software community.
• To define the target audience for the mentoring program, identifying specific groups or individuals who would benefit most from the program, such as early-career researchers, underrepresented minorities, or those seeking to enhance specific skills.
• To collaborate with existing affinity groups like Rladies, Women in Data Science, and others, leveraging their expertise, networks, and resources to enhance the reach and effectiveness of the mentoring program.
• To design the structure of the mentoring program, outlining the duration, format, matching process, goals, and expected outcomes, and creating different tracks or tiers to cater to the diverse needs and interests of the participants.
• To recruit mentors and mentees, emphasizing the program's commitment to diversity and inclusion, and ensuring a broad and representative pool of participants.
• To offer training sessions for mentors, equipping them with the necessary skills, knowledge, and sensitivity to support mentees from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• To implement an effective matching process that considers diverse needs, preferences, goals, and backgrounds of both mentors and mentees.
• To provide ongoing monitoring and support mechanisms for mentors and mentees, ensuring that the mentoring relationships are progressing positively and addressing any challenges or issues that may arise.
• To ensure the sustainability and scalability of the mentoring program, considering long-term funding, partnerships, community engagement, and continuous adaptation to the evolving needs and landscape of the research software field.

Targeted Impacts

• A more inclusive and diverse research software community, reflecting a broader range of perspectives, experiences, and skills.
• Increased access to mentoring and support for underrepresented or marginalized groups within the research software field, enhancing their opportunities for growth, development, and success.
• Strengthened collaboration and networking within the research software community, fostering a culture of mutual support, learning, and innovation.
• Enhanced skills and competencies among both mentors and mentees, contributing to the overall quality and effectiveness of research software development and practice.
• The establishment of a supportive environment that recognizes and values diversity, leading to increased satisfaction, retention, and engagement among participants in the research software community.
• The creation of new pathways and opportunities for collaboration and innovation, leveraging the diverse talents, ideas, and experiences brought together through the mentoring program.
• The promotion of a more equitable and just research software field, where all individuals, regardless of their background, have the opportunity to thrive and contribute.
• The enhancement of the reputation and attractiveness of the research software field as a an inclusive career choice, drawing a wider pool of talent and interest.
• The cultivation of future leaders and champions for diversity and inclusion, equipping them with the skills, networks, and confidence to drive positive change within the research software field and beyond.

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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.