Recognising research software in performance-based funding: Why research software must count as a scientific output

Research software and code are essential components of modern, data-driven science, yet they are often undervalued in performance-based funding schemes (LOM). Without access to software, scientific results are not fully reproducible, transparent, or reusable. High-quality research software increases efficiency, reduces duplication of work, enhances visibility through citation and reuse, and provides key qualifications for early-career researchers. International policies already recognise software as a legitimate research output, including guidance from the DFG, and the European Commission under Horizon Europe, as well as the Leibniz Association. This poster argues that LOM schemes must explicitly include research software as a valued output. Recognising software in evaluation criteria is not an optional add-on, but a prerequisite for reproducible, sustainable, and high-quality science.