Idea

As part of the DFG project 'Building and Sustaining a Community for the Open Encyclopedia System (OES)', we spoke to various providers of open-source research software for the digital humanities about the importance of a community for further developing the software, supporting users, and ensuring sustainability. We exchanged ideas on how communities around open source research software are formed and organised, and how they are supported on an ongoing basis. From these discussions, we concluded that everyone faces similar challenges: How can communities strengthen and support research software in the long term? How can new members be recruited and motivated to take on responsibility? How can sustainable structures be established within institutions or independently? How can integration into scientific practice be achieved? We would therefore like to invite you to a discussion on these issues on 14 November 2025 at the Free University of Berlin.

Objectives

• Networking of operators of open source research software for DH and the RSE|DH community
• Joint solutions for core issues
• Identification of good practice (see agenda)
• Establishment of formats for further cooperation

Agenda

10:00-10:30 | Welcome and introductions
10:30-11:00 | Introduction to the topic – communities in the context of open-source research software-
11:00-12:15 | Working together – how do we shape cooperation in the community?
12:15-12:45 | Developing together  – How can we programme sustainably?
12:45-13:30 | Lunch break
13:30-15:00 | Growing together  – How do we build strong communities? 
15:00-15:30 | Evaluation & next steps – A community on the topic of RS communities.

Key data

• Date: Friday, 14 November 2025. Start: 10:00 a.m.. End: approx. 3:30 p.m.
• Location: Freie Universität Berlin, FUB-IT, Fabeckstr. 32, Room R106
• Participation: Participation is by invitation only. If you would like to join, please contact the project team via email: info@open-encyclopedia-system.org
• How to get there: Take the U3 to Dahlem Dorf. The venue is then approx. 10 minutes away.
• Costs: We will provide food and drinks, but you are responsible for planning and financing your travel and accommodation.
• If you have any questions, please email info@open-encyclopedia-system.org.