Building the FABM community

[jornbr]

Hi all,

To further strengthen and expand community‑led development of FABM—the framework itself, its couplers, and associated biogeochemical models—we are developing plans for the following initiatives:

1. Establishment of a FABM Consortium

We propose forming a consortium responsible for maintaining and advancing the core framework (code and documentation). Each member institution would commit a minimum level of resources (in FTEs) to support this work. The consortium would be formally established through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

2. Creation of thematic Working Groups

We plan to launch working groups focused on specific development priorities, such as:

• architecture‑agnostic model specifications (including GPU compatibility)
• coupling to higher trophic levels (e.g., depth‑integrated predators, horizontal migration)
• benthic-pelagic exchange (e.g., links between sinking and sedimentation)
• other emerging needs identified by the community

These groups will be open to all interested contributors—not only consortium members. They can be created or dissolved as needs evolve.

3. Annual Users and Developers Meeting

We intend to organize an annual meeting (initially virtual) to bring together FABM users and developers, fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange, and long‑term planning.

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These ideas are already well developed, and initial feedback—for example from the NECCTON community—indicates strong support. However, many details remain to be refined, and we welcome further comments and suggestions. You are welcome to share your thoughts here by adding a comment, or if you prefer, by emailing me at jorn@bolding-bruggeman.com. If you consider joining the consortium that develops the framework itself, I can also share the draft MoU with you (please email).

Best,

Jorn