Abstract

Research Software Engineers (RSEs) collaborate with researchers to develop and maintain software, helping to embed best practices that improve reliability and reduce inefficiencies in research workflows.

As awareness grows of the environmental impact of computational research, a new specialism – Green RSE - is beginning to emerge.

Green RSEs integrate sustainability into software development, ensuring environmental considerations are addressed alongside performance and usability. Despite its potential to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of research computing, the role is still loosely defined and lacks formal recognition or clear career pathways.

To address this gap, the Green RSE Special Interest Group (https://socrse.github.io/green-sig/) has been established in collaboration with the UK Society of Research Software Engineering. This initiative aims to build a community, share best practices, and define the skills and responsibilities of Green RSEs. Early findings highlight how Green RSEs can support sustainable software practices across disciplines and contribute to reducing the environmental impact of computational research.