Prelude to the panel on what makes good research in Modeling & Simulation

Modeling and Simulation (M&S) is a unique field, which has been and continues to be influential in the development and growth of numerous science and engineering disciplines. From basic research and concept formulation to diffusion of innovations, M&S rests on fundamental strategies that not only provide guidance to scientists, but also provide explanations for the society and institutions that have stakes in the produced knowledge. We explore the essential components of the professional realm of M&S research to (1) gain better insight about the characteristics of successful and creative M&S research, (2) identify the major components of the M&S profession that need to be nurtured to enable growth and sustainment of its vitality, and (3) help facilitate explanation of the character of simulation discipline to other engineers and scientists at large.