Date: 1 September 2026
Time: 10.00 -11.30
Language: English
Audience: Data stewards, data support professionals and everybody interested in the topic

Software has become an essential component of modern research and is increasingly recognized as a valuable research output in its own right. This webinar focuses on Software Management Plans (SMPs) and is aimed at data support professionals who wish to better understand what SMPs are, why and when they might matter, and how to support and guide researchers in their creation.

Although Software Management Plans are not often formally required, thinking about software sustainability, maintenance, and reuse is beneficial in any research context. This webinar will introduce Software Management Plans at a general level, provide practical tips and tools, and highlight ways to encourage, guide, and support researchers in putting them into practice.

The introduction will address questions such as:

• Why think about software management even when it is not required by funders?
• How does software maintenance contribute to research quality and reproducibility?
• How can research software be published and cited?
• How do Software Management Plans relate to broader discussions on methods, protocols, and research data management planning?

After the introductory presentation, there will be opportunity for questions, discussion, and exchange of experiences.

The goal of the webinar is not only to learn about Software Management Plans, but also to stimulate discussion and practical understanding and enabling data support professionals to advise and collaborate with researchers writing software.