Anna Niarakis | Search arXiv

arXiv2026

Making Models That Matter: How to Build Trustworthy and Useful Systems Biology Models

Computational models supporting mechanistic understanding of (complex) biological systems, systems behaviour prediction, and experimental design are becoming more and more embedded in research on complex biological systems. Reuse and refinement of models, rather than continuous reinvention, is becoming increasingly important as models' demands on computational infrastructure increase. However published models - despite the variety of efforts taken so far - are frequently difficult to reproduce or reuse, substantially limiting their scientific value. Here we address the requirements for model reusability in the light of the field-specific CURE framework (Credible, Understandable, Reproducible, Extensible) and the more general FAIR principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable). Considering published guidance we identify broad agreement on requirements for findability, accessibility, and interoperability, but continued lack of clarity and consensus around reusability. Focusing on the scientific quality and usability of computational models we discuss six key practices underpinning model sharing and re-use. Mapping the FAIR and CURE principles onto the model lifecycle we propose ten recommendations for building and sharing systems biology models that are both FAIR- and CURE-compliant.

q-bio.OT↗

arXiv2025

From FAIR to CURE: Guidelines for Computational Models of Biological Systems

Guidelines for managing scientific data have been established under the FAIR principles requiring that data be Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable. In many scientific disciplines, especially computational biology, both data and models are key to progress. For this reason, and recognizing that such models are a very special type of 'data', we argue that computational models, especially mechanistic models prevalent in medicine, physiology and systems biology, deserve a complementary set of guidelines. We propose the CURE principles, emphasizing that models should be Credible, Understandable, Reproducible, and Extensible. We delve into each principle, discussing verification, validation, and uncertainty quantification for model credibility; the clarity of model descriptions and annotations for understandability; adherence to standards and open science practices for reproducibility; and the use of open standards and modular code for extensibility and reuse. We outline recommended and baseline requirements for each aspect of CURE, aiming to enhance the impact and trustworthiness of computational models, particularly in biomedical applications where credibility is paramount. Our perspective underscores the need for a more disciplined approach to modeling, aligning with emerging trends such as Digital Twins and emphasizing the importance of data and modeling standards for interoperability and reuse. Finally, we emphasize that given the non-trivial effort required to implement the guidelines, the community moves to automate as many of the guidelines as possible.

q-bio.OT↗