World-wide access to computer models of biological systems

Abstract

Models are used to study complex biological systems to represent hypotheses, test theories, make predictions, design outcomes, and analyze data. Because models coalesce a large amount of information they form valuable tools in research and education. However, their utility resides in being able to use and manipulate them interactively. Currently, there is no centralized way to access published models in order to use them. This paper describes the need and an approach for establishing such a facility, called a model library. Models will be collated, indexed, catalogued, described mathematically in formats compatible with several widely-used modeling software packages, and made available on th..