Custom research applications
Web-based applications and data apps shaped around the steps researchers actually follow.
Service
Custom Research Software Development
Software designed around research workflows, from analytical applications and APIs to maintainable tools and data platforms.
We build the tools research teams use to process, explore, and share data: tested, documented, and ready to deploy.
When teams need this
Situations this service is built for
- A lab relies on fragile scripts that only one person understands.
- Colleagues who do not program need a tool to run an analysis or explore data.
- Data from several systems must be connected through an API or integration.
- A research prototype needs to become maintainable software.
- A multi-site project needs a shared data platform with clear structure and access rules.
What we can deliver
Capabilities
Analytical tools and utilities
Command-line tools and internal utilities that turn analysis code into something repeatable by others.
APIs and integration
Interfaces between data sources, analysis code, and the systems your team already uses.
Automated testing
Tests that check the calculations and data handling the research depends on.
Deployment
Setup so the software runs reliably in the environment you choose, with the steps documented.
Technical documentation
User and developer documentation so your team can run, understand, and extend the software.
Maintenance and support
Ongoing fixes and updates where agreed in the project contract.
Tangible artifacts
What you receive
Deliverables are agreed in the scope. Typical artifacts for this service include:
- Source code in a version-controlled repository
- Working application or tool, deployed as agreed
- Automated test suite and test report
- User guide and developer documentation
- Deployment notes and configuration reference
Typical workflow
How the work usually runs
- 1
Discover & scope
Map the research workflow, users, data, and constraints, and agree what the first usable version includes.
- 2
Implement
Build in small increments and share working versions early for your feedback.
- 3
Validate & review
Test the calculations and data handling, and review the behaviour with the people who will use it.
- 4
Document & hand over
Hand over code, deployment notes, and documentation, plus agreed support where contracted.
Rigor and constraints
Ownership, hosting, and constraints
- Intellectual property, licensing, hosting, and any ongoing maintenance are defined in the project contract. We do not assume blanket terms.
- This is software engineering for research workflows. We do not offer generic brochure or marketing websites.
- Security and data-protection controls are assessed for each engagement, and sensitive data is handled only after that assessment.
- We favour simple, well-documented designs that your team can maintain.
Who this is for
Teams we typically support with this service
FAQ
Questions about Research Software Engineering
Do you build websites?
We build research software and data applications. We do not offer generic brochure or marketing websites.
Who owns the code?
Ownership and licensing are set out in the project contract. We discuss this before work begins.
Do you provide maintenance after delivery?
Only where agreed in the contract. Otherwise delivery includes documentation so your team or another developer can take over.
Can you extend our existing code?
Possibly. We review the code first and then agree whether to extend, refactor, or rebuild it.
Discuss this with us
Tell us about your data and goals. The service is preselected in the inquiry form.