Simulistics

Jonathan Massheder

Jonathan developed an interest in computer simulation whilst studying for his degree in Ecological Science. He has performed research on eco-physiology, modelling and measuring forest carbon and energy fluxes. The latter work formed the basis of his PhD.

Simulistics allows him to use his software development skills and scientific background to best effect in developing modelling tools, that he wishes he had had earlier in his career. He can also pursue his interest in ecological

Robert Muetzelfeldt

After getting a degree in Zoology, Robert studied vole feeding behaviour for his PhD — really just an excuse to play with computers and make bits of equipment in the departmental workshop. He then joined the University of Edinburgh as a lecturer in ecological modelling, developing an interest (some would say obsession) with the methodology of modelling in ecosystem research: how we make models, as distinct from the scientific content of models. This led to some 20 years of collaboration with colleagues in Artificial Intelligence, and, in 1996, the opportunity to lead the development of a visual modelling environment (originally called AME, now Simile) suitable for implementing the large and complex models required for ecosystems research.

Robert left the University in 2002 in order to pursue his personal research interests in modelling, to promote the concept of declarative modelling in the ecosystem research community, and to explore the potential of XML and related technologies for modelling in the future.