What is research software?

For the purpose of the Declaration, research software is defined as: “source code files, algorithms, scripts, computational workflows and executables that were created during the research process or for a research purpose. Software components (e.g., operating systems, libraries, dependencies, packages, scripts, etc.) that are used for research but were not created during or with a clear research intent should be considered software in research and not research software. This differentiation may vary between disciplines.” (Gruenpeter 2021, as implemented in the FAIR for Research Software Principles)

What are the options to participate?

There are several options for getting involved.

1. You can subscribe to the ReSA newsletter to receive updates on news related to the declaration and future activities.
2. You can get in touch with us using the contact form (or by sending us an email).
3. If you want to publicly show your support for the declaration, there are two options, depending on the type of organisation that you represent.
   1. You can become a Signatory of the declaration
   2. You can become a Supporter of the declaration

Who can be a Signatory of ADORE.software?

The Declaration is intended to be signed by funders of research software. For the purpose of the Declaration, a funder is an organisation that supports research software and/or the people who develop and maintain it. This definition fits traditional funding organisations that provide monetary and/or in-kind support to a recipient on the basis of grants or gifts, without any expectation of services or other tangible benefits from the recipient and typically with limited involvement in project management, operations and governance. A traditional funder can (and often does) direct that their grant go towards a particular project, outcome or deliverable, and can (and often does) set conditions on the way the support is utilised (adapted from Dunks 2021). 

Those who self-identify as funders can become Signatories of ADORE.software.

Who can be a Supporter of ADORE.software?

Organisations and individuals who do not self-identify as funders can choose to support the declaration, publicly stating that they agree with the recommendations. Supporters could potentially range from government funding agencies and academic research institutes to private companies and philanthropic organisations.

What does it mean to be a Signatory?

Signatories of ADORE.software endorse the adoption of the Declaration’s recommendations to improve the research software ecosystem and the research that it enables. Signatories will aim to implement the recommendations of ADORE.software in their own organisation. They also aim to update other Signatories and the community on their progress to implementing the recommendations.

What does it mean to be a Supporter?

Supporters of ADORE.software will be listed on the website and will be added to the mailing list if they choose to.

Who is in the ADORE.software stewardship group?

The ADORE.software stewardship group is responsible for developing and implementing the Declaration outreach programme. The programme will focus on actively encouraging potential stakeholders to sign or support the Declaration and engage relevant signatories from around the world. The outreach programme will encompass activities such as a formal signing event, and sharing of experiences on the implementation of ADORE.software Recommendations.

Initially, the ADORE.software stewardship group is the same as the ReSA Steering Committee. However, it will be updated to include other members of the community, representing the global community of funders.

Who has expressed interest in becoming a signatory or supporter?

Between March 2023 and August 2023 we collected feedback from potential signatories and other stakeholders. Those that expressed their interest in signing or supporting ADORE.software and are listed on the website.