For the Public Good: Connecting, Retaining, and Recognizing Current and Future RSEs at National Organizations

US national research laboratories and agencies play an integral role in advancing science and technology for the public good. The authors of this article, as Research Software Engineers (RSEs) and allies from eight unique national organizations, came together to explore RSE needs from the perspective of national research and development institutions. We identified three key areas of improvement for future RSEs to pursue science in the national interest: community establishment, hiring and retention, and recognition. To retain and cultivate this essential talent, US national institutions must evolve to support appropriate career pathways for RSEs and to recognize and reward RSE work.