Enhancing Research Software Recognition and Provenance in Scholarly Publishing

Supervisory Team: Dr Heather Packer

This PhD will explore themes in AI, machine learning, and provenance data to analyse research software development, verify contributions, and enhance peer review transparency. Supervised by experts and supported by leading institutes, this project offers the chance to shape how research software is evaluated, credited, and integrated into academia.

Scientific research increasingly depends on software, yet its role in academic publication, peer review, and career recognition remains undervalued. This PhD project will enhance the visibility and impact of research software by analyzing its connections to publications, research teams, and the broader research ecosystem.

Building on PARS: Provenance Analytics for Research Software, your research will leverage provenance data and may explore themes such as AI and machine learning for software development analysis Identifying patterns in software creation and team structures and their influence on research quality.

– Verification of software contributions and online communities Developing methods to assess authorship, collaboration, and credibility, ensuring fair recognition for developers and improving trust in research software.

– Enhancing peer review, funding decisions, and policy Providing data-driven insights to improve transparency, reproducibility, and institutional assessment of research software.

This interdisciplinary project spans software engineering, AI, and metascience, offering the opportunity to shape how research software is evaluated and credited in academia. You will develop expertise in computational research methods, knowledge graph analysis, and research software sustainability.

Supervised by leading experts in research software engineering and AI, with connections to the Software Sustainability Institute and the Research Software Engineering Society. This PhD will place you at the forefront of research transparency, software verification, and contributor recognition, equipping you with sought-after skills for academia, industry, and policy.

Entry Requirements

A very good undergraduate degree (at least a UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent).

Closing date: 31 May 2025. Applications will be considered in the order that they are received, the position will be considered filled when a suitable candidate has been identified.

Funding: We offer a range of funding opportunities for both UK and international students, including Bursaries and Scholarships. For more information please visit PhD Scholarships nearmejobs.eu Doctoral College nearmejobs.eu University of Southampton Funding will be awarded on a rolling basis, so apply early for the best opportunity to be considered.

How To Apply

Apply online:  Search for a Postgraduate Programme of Study (soton.ac.uk) Select programme type (Research), 2025/26, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, next page select “PhD Comp Sci. (Full time)”. In Section 2 of the application form you should insert the name of the supervisor NAME

Applications should include:

Research Proposal

Curriculum Vitae

Two reference letters

Degree Transcripts/Certificates to date

For further information please contact: feps-pgr-apply@soton.ac.uk

The School of ECS. is committed to promoting equality, diversity inclusivity as demonstrated by our Athena SWAN award. We welcome all applicants regardless of their gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or age, and will give full consideration to applicants seeking flexible working patterns and those who have taken a career break. The University has a generous maternity policy, onsite childcare facilities, and offers a range of benefits to help ensure employees’ well-being and work-life balance. The University of Southampton is committed to sustainability and has been awarded the Platinum EcoAward.