Development and transfer of research software
Systematic and secure access to scientific software solutions
Software has long been a key component of scientific work, part of the research infrastructure, and a valuable asset for the transfer of knowledge and technology. In many areas of research, projects are being created in which research software continues to be developed. The secondary application of generated software solutions, sometimes in combination with valuable research data and technologies, is becoming increasingly important.
Software Innovation Hub: A central point of contact for the application of research software at DESY.
New software solutions arising from research should be developed systematically by the developers from the outset and in accordance with the necessary legal requirements. A Software Innovation Hub is currently being set up as the central interface for software development at DESY. On one side of the coin, research software is actively identified based on screenings and in one-on-one discussions with scientists. On the other side, the Software Innovation Hub serves as a direct point of contact both for DESY employees who want to pass on their research software to the outside world and for external parties (e.g. industry) who are interested in DESY research software.
The Software Innovation Hub offers the following support services:
· Evaluation of the application potential of research software
· Clarification of the legal conditions (e.g. copyright, copyleft, third-party funding requirements)
· Identification of suitable transfer channels and business models with the associated necessary personnel and technical resources as well as the preparation of license agreements, including contract negotiations
· Identification of the legal framework, processes, and assistance in dealing with research software at DESY
The appropriate contact persons and stakeholders inside and outside DESY are identified and involved, depending on the application potential and possible transfer paths (open source publication, licensing, sale, service offer, patenting, spin-off, cooperation). Additionally, business models are developed, and the research software is sustainably used.
"SoftWert": Method kit for the exploitation of scientific software
DESY worked with the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ), the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), and Saarland University in the SoftWert project funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research to develop a methodological toolkit for the application of research software. As part of the project, methods, guidelines, and strategies were created for software developers and transfer officers to simplify the transfer of scientific software and familiarize them with the relevant framework conditions.
More information about "SoftWert" (in German):
The project website provides extensive information and details on the findings, methods and tools.
Here you will find all the important information in a brochure on the project.
More information
Are you interested in further information? Our contact person Janine Fischer will be happy to help you!