Computing and Modeling After COVID-19: More Responsible, Less Technical

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic brought into focus the crucial role of computational modeling and simulation in informing and/or advising governments and societies, demonstrating the profound influence that modelers can have, particularly in times of crisis. This global experience has (re)shaped political and public demands on science and technology and the ways in which we incorporate scientific findings in our everyday lives. Through a brief review of models developed for COVID-19, this paper discusses the urgent need to move towards ‘responsible modeling’ in which social, ethical, and cultural issues claim the same importance as technical aspects. This includes a new social contract between modeler and society on one hand, and science and policy on the other hand. The characteristics of modeling work under this new paradigm, however, are still not well understood and are a topic of debate. This paper aims to fill this gap by proposing a new research agenda that can facilitate the discussion about ‘responsible modeling’ and the overarching principles that underpin the concept’s aims and objectives.