Toward Replicability-Aware Modeling and Simulation: Changing the Conduct of M&S in the Information Age

Abstract

The use of computational models in science end engineering is increasingly becoming pervasive. However, there is a growing credibility gap due to widespread, relaxed attitudes in communication of experiments, models, and validation of simulations used in computational research. Consequent disputes and article retractions due to unverified code and data suggest a pressing need for greater transparency. We introduce the e Portfolio concept, which is an ensemble documents that interweave the conceptual model, simulator design, experimental frames, and scientific workflow specifications. Strategies and potential mechanisms are delineated to enable authors, publishers, funding agencies, journals, and the broader scientific community to cooperate and establish a sustained model base, simulations, experiments, and documentation, so that scientists can build on each other’s work and achievements.