Software is increasingly becoming important in research; even if you don't write your own scripts, there are many decisions about software to make in any type of research project. Software quality and software sustainability are seen as important topics for Open Science, research transparency and research reproducibility. But where does one start learning about research software? What are the important considerations one shouldn't ignore?

While there are national guidlines being developed for software management plans, our joint team from eScience Center, Leiden University, and VU Amsterdam decided to use the topic of Halloween and Data Horror Week to bring some humor into the learning process.

We created a brand new Online Software Horror Escape Room for you! 

Join us for the festive launch and competition. Your team can win prizes if you solve the puzzles fast.

To play the game, you don't need any prior knowledge - you will learn about the software while playing. However, a sense of humor, a mindful attitude, and some curiosity about the subject are required.

Come and try to escape the software horrors! Find the registration button at the bottom of this page.  You will receive an email with a Zoom link after your registration. We look forward to celebrating the Data Horror Week together with you!

You are welcome to play the game as a team with your colleagues and friends! We can form teams based on your preferences.

Agenda

14:50 - 15:00   Sign in; check your microphone

15:00  - 15:15  Introduction

15:15  - 16:10  Escape Room (breakout rooms)

16:10  - 16:30  Announcing the winners! Explanation and discussion.

What to expect?

ONLINE Escape Room is a game where you need to solve several puzzles in order to "get out of the room"! We've built this escape room with research software as a theme, however, all you need to solve the puzzles will be made available to you - you don't need to be an expert to finish the game.

At the beginning, we will create teams for breakout rooms. You can come with your own team or get team members assigned to you.

Who should attend?

The Escape Room is intended for everyone interested in the topic: students, researchers, research support staff. It is meant as a fun event where you get some insights about Open Science practice. Everyone is welcome to attend the festive launch; you don't need to be affiliated with the VU.

About the escape room 

The escape room is a team effort; it was built by RDM Support at the VU Library, Leiden University and the eScience Center, with financial help of Research Data Support programme.