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About DEMOS ¶

The Challenge ¶

In modern physics research, models are mathematical or computational objects used to describe physical processes and interpret experimental data. Despite their importance, sharing these models presents significant challenges:

  • Practices vary widely across research communities
  • Some use framework-specific formats, others share informal code snippets
  • Models often need to be manually reproduced from publications—an error-prone process
  • No standardized way to share models across disciplines

These barriers limit collaboration, reproducibility, and the broader impact of research.

Our Solution ¶

DEMOS (DEMocratizing MOdelS) creates a unified standard and infrastructure for sharing probabilistic models across all ErUM (Exploration of the Universe and Matter) research fields.

What We're Building ¶

  1. A Common Standard - A flexible, extensible format for serializing models
  2. Computational Engines - Implementation in C++, Python, and Julia
  3. A Sharing Platform - Web-based registry for discovering and accessing models
  4. Community Adoption - Documentation, training, and engagement with researchers

FAIR Principles ¶

DEMOS ensures models are:

  • **F**indable - Discoverable through a searchable registry
  • **A**ccessible - Open access via web platform and APIs
  • **I**nteroperable - Common standard enables cross-domain use
  • **R**eusable - Clear documentation and standardized formats

Three Pillars ¶

Pillar 1: Model Format Standardization ¶

Developing the DEMOS standard with flexible building blocks that allow models of any complexity to be serialized, shared, and used across domains.

Key components: - JSON-based serialization format - Standard library of building blocks (distributions, operations) - Computational engines ensuring consistency - Support for "Models as a Service" (MaaS) via containers

Pillar 2: Portal & Infrastructure ¶

Creating a platform for model discovery and sharing.

Key features: - Web front-end with model gallery and search - Back-end registry with CI/CD pipelines - Interoperability with HEPData, Zenodo, and other repositories - Model validation and testing infrastructure

Pillar 3: Community Engagement ¶

Working with the ErUM community to establish and promote the standard.

Activities: - Comprehensive documentation and tutorials - Showcase models from all domains - Workshops and training sessions - Long-term sustainability planning

Impact ¶

By establishing a common language for models, DEMOS will:

  • Enable cross-disciplinary collaboration
  • Improve reproducibility of research results
  • Accelerate knowledge transfer across fields
  • Make cutting-edge models accessible to educators and students
  • Amplify the impact of research investments

Learn More ¶