The engineering of concurrent simulations of complex systems

Concurrent process-oriented programming is a natural medium for simulating complex systems, particularly systems where many simple components interact in an environment (which may itself be complex). There is little guidance for engineering complex systems simulation. In the context of simulation work to support immunological research, we explore relevant approaches to modelling, and draw on concepts from dependable and high-integrity systems engineering, including the emphasis on the need to validate all aspects of the simulation.