We warmly invite BECC researchers to an action group for advancing theory development through increased collaboration between modellers and empirical scientists. To go beyond simple data-sharing, the action group will take the form of hands-on modelling exercises during two full-day workshops and one half-day workshop where the process will be evaluated. We welcome all kinds of modellers and empirical scientists, with interests ranging from soil science and plant-ecophysiology to socio-economics. Furthermore, we especially welcome researchers from social sciences interested in studying knowledge creation using models.

The dates and places for the three workshops will be:

• 24th April in Lund
• 18th September in Göteborg
• 16th October in Lund

All workshops will be possible to attend remotely, however, we encourage in-place meetings or local working groups.
 

During the first workshop, we will build conceptual models for a few ideas suggested by the participants. The ideas should be a process or limited system of processes that the participants consider missing from current modelling and for which there is accessible data for parameterisation and a theoretical foundation. Participants with a project idea are welcome to submit these ideas before the first workshop. We will define the modelled system, start to formulate equations (if not already present) and identify needed inputs.

Between the first and second workshops, the conceptual models will be formalised and implemented in code into a toy model that can run simple simulations. This stage will be performed by the organisers of the workshop and/or participating modellers.

The second workshop will focus on evaluating the models. We will discuss and identify uncertainties of the models as well as their sensitivities. We will then continue to refine the models with improved theory or identify data needs to improve models and theory and decrease uncertainty.

During the third half-day workshop we will evaluate the process of collaborating and reflect on how this could be developed to enhance future collaborations and research projects.