On 24–25 November 2025, WG3 met in Warsaw for two busy (and genuinely productive) days of discussion, whiteboarding, and decisions. We came in with a clear plan for what we wanted to tackle, and we left with something even better: a shared understanding of what the Open DEM file format should contain and a practical way to document and publish that work so others can build on it.

A big part of our time was spent getting very concrete about the basics. We agreed on the minimum information that should be stored for a first set of simple material models, contact models, and particle/body data. That sounds small, but it’s the foundation that everything else depends on. If this layer is unclear or inconsistent, interoperability collapses immediately. If it’s solid, the entire ecosystem gets easier: sharing results, reusing data, validating simulations, and writing tools that work across more than one code.

Once we had the what, we tackled the how. We aligned on a hierarchical structure for storing variables so the format stays readable and scalable as the scope grows. In the same flow, we also agreed on notations and measurement units, so when someone sees a variable, they don’t have to guess whether it’s in metres or millimetres, or whether a symbol means what it means in their own code. That might not sound exciting—until you’ve tried to compare two datasets where the same name means two different things.

We also spent time on the questions that always come up when you’re trying to standardize anything, and it was worth it. We talked through what should be stored versus derived, how to stay minimal without becoming vague, and where the line sits between format-level meaning and code-specific implementation details. These philosophical discussions were actually very practical, because they help prevent the format from drifting into either extreme: too rigid to use, or too loose to trust.

To keep things grounded, we also discussed a real performance comparison that looked at the practical cost of moving DEM data in and out of different formats. In particular, we compared the read/write speeds for DEM datasets stored as plain text versus HDF5, and also looked at VTKHDF as a format that can bridge efficient storage with post-processing needs. This kind of hands-on comparison is important because it connects our format decisions to what users actually feel day-to-day: file sizes, I/O time, and how quickly data becomes usable in analysis or visualization workflows.

One of the most important outcomes was that we didn’t stop at decisions—we agreed on a clear methodology for turning them into version-controlled documentation in the ON-DEM GitHub repository. That means our output isn’t just meeting notes: it becomes structured, reviewable content that the community can rely on. We also framed parts of this documentation as examples that other COST members can copy and extend later. In other words, we’re not only defining what exists today—we’re making it easier for the next person to contribute without reinventing the approach.

Finally, we left Warsaw with a work plan for the coming weeks, tied to deliverables and deadlines, and with owners and next steps that feel realistic. That matters, because momentum is fragile: clarity + small, consistent progress beats big intentions every time.

Thank you to everyone who joined, contributed, challenged assumptions, and helped us converge. Meetings like this are where a shared standard becomes a shared project - and Warsaw moved us a real step forward.

Recently, Dr Sadegh Nadimi led a UK-based ON-DEM team in submitting a proposal for the Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition 2026, entitled “Grains in Motion: When Solids Flow and Liquids Jam”. The concept was developed collectively, with many of the core ideas first discussed at the joint WG5/WG6 meeting in Bilbao.

I am delighted to announce that the application has been successful.

The exhibit will highlight the remarkable duality of granular materials—everyday grains that can flow like liquids yet suddenly jam or support loads like solids. Through a series of hands-on demonstrations, visitors will explore why sand pours smoothly while rice may block a funnel, how shaking can liquefy soil during earthquakes, what controls avalanches and dune formation, and why modern trains still rely on sand for traction and braking on slippery rails. Microscopy stations and live magnification will reveal how small differences in grain size, shape, and texture give rise to large-scale effects in nature and industry.

The exhibit will emphasise that “simple materials can behave in surprisingly complex ways”, linking fundamental physics to real-world applications in geotechnics, transport safety, natural hazards, and manufacturing. It will be an excellent opportunity to showcase ON-DEM’s breadth—from experiments and simulations to engineering practice—and to engage the public with the science underpinning granular materials.

We will soon be looking for UK-based colleagues to help develop and staff the exhibition, and any support in spreading the word would be greatly appreciated. And of course, if you are attending the Exhibition in 2026, please do come by the stand and say hello.

This blog post summarises the main discussions and outcomes from the joint meeting of Workgroups 5 and 6 on Communication, Dissemination, and Valorisation, held on September 2nd and 3rd. Chaired by Anthony Thornton, Donna Fitzsimmons, and Daniel Barreto, the meeting included presentations by Max Winkelman, Alexandros Theocharis, Luca Orefice, and Sadegh Nadimi. The full set of slides is available at: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17473482.

A key highlight was the introduction of Vasiliki (Vicky) Dimitriadi and Francesca Orsola Alfano as the new WG6 (co)-leads. The two-day meeting conducted an honest review of current communication activities, leading to numerous improvement initiatives, including website updates. A new ON-DEM slogan was chosen: "Innovate. Collaborate. Simulation with ON-DEM."

Key Outcomes and Actions:

• Blog Posts: Blog posts, such as this one, will be used to keep the network updated. The network aims for three blog posts per week across all members.

• Scientific Communication Plan Review: A comprehensive review covered LinkedIn strategy, the Particle Game (for e-learning), video training, newsletters, and advertising leaflets.

• New Roles: Four new roles were created: Instagram Manager, TikTok Manager, Slack Manager, and Google Groups Manager.

• Filled Roles: Several previously unfilled roles were assigned, including Female Researchers (Gender Equality Team), Policy Makers and Standardisation Bodies (Sadegh Nadimi), Wider Open-source Community (Anthony Thornton), Training and Certification (Daniel Barreto), ICT Countries (Alexandros Theocharis), Young Academics (Alexandros Theocharis), Undergraduate Students and Programme Coordinators (Vicky Dimitriadi), Industrial DEM Potential Users (Donna Fitzsimmons and Anthony Thornton), General Public (Anthony Thornton), GitHub/Zenodo (Thomas Weinhart), Slack (Anthony Thornton), and Google Groups (Donna Fitzsimmons).

• Content and Channel Management: Blog posts will serve as the primary method for content managers and others to share information, which channel managers will then adapt for their respective platforms.

• New Email Addresses: Two new email addresses were introduced for communication: ‘communication@on-dem.org’ (for all channel managers) and ‘communication-leads@on-dem.org’ (for communication leaders).

• Dissemination Calendar: A dissemination calendar has been created to plan events and ensure a steady flow of materials: /wiki/spaces/Index/pages/326762529
  Fyler for industrial and academic created.

• Flyer: New flyer created to advertise the network for both industrial and academics.

Outreach

Discussions included creating demonstrations with potential funding from COST, the Institute of Physics (IOP) UK (believed to offer £3K grants), or the Royal Academy of Engineering, UK. All demonstration designs will be openly shared on Zenodo.

Existing outreach events were identified, such as the Royal Society Summer Exhibition (UK), for which Sadegh Nadimi has already led an application, and The Long Night of Science (Austria). The creation of short YouTube videos about DEM and training, to be shared with module leaders and universities, was also proposed.

Branding and Marketing

An official ON-DEM presentation template (Google Slides, PowerPoint, Keynote) will be created, potentially based on Donna Fitzsimmons’s Google Slides template. ON-DEM mugs are also planned. The acknowledgment table should be added to this template and made clearer on the website.

Website - Wiki

The Wiki is a central and well-received part of the action. Suggested improvements include re-sorting the main page content list and adding a member profile database with specializations. Implemented improvements include a central page for all deliverables and an extended "how to contribute" page with YouTube video guidelines.

Open Research Europe Collection

An ON-DEM Open Research collection is planned, welcoming various paper types (research articles, data notes, open letters). Publishing will be free and 100% open access. This will become ON-DEM's preferred publication venue, and the Scientific Communication Plan (SCP) will be updated accordingly. While concerns were raised about PhD student uptake and university recognition, it was noted that the UK's Research Excellence Framework (REF) already recognises it, and the OpenFOAM journal also publishes peer-reviewed test cases. The ON-DEM rule for classification as an "ON-DEM paper" will require open access, with the ORE ON-DEM collection highly recommended. Volunteers are sought to be moderators and curators. There will be no manager for this, only curators and moderators.

Handbook

The handbook will be published under the CC BY license.

Workshops

The successful model of cross-workgroup, topic-focused workshops from the second year will continue, with more frequent, smaller, and even more focused groups. Future workshops will be organised by local organisers, the action chair (Daniel), and relevant workgroup leads. Sessions should ideally be 90 minutes. The workshop manager position will be removed.

e-learning

The goal for e-learning is to provide engaging content, not explicit teaching material. Max Winkelman and Phil Johnston are developing a game in GODOT using MercuryDPM as the physics engine, similar to Karel the Robot for general programming. Key suggestions included:

• Investigating an existing open-source particle game (Alejandro Lopez).

• Contacting Dr. G.W.J. Bruinsma (University of Twente) for expertise in serious gaming.

• Considering an "angle of repose" test as a game level.

• Seeking community ideas for content and teaching methods.

• Targeting both primary and high school audiences with adaptable topics.

• Utilising a lightweight version of MercuryDPM.

• Developing a multiplayer "battle mode" version.

• Exploring "marble race" and "billiard game with changing friction" levels.

• Investigating potential funding from the Thermal and Fluid Engineering department at the University of Twente, which previously had a budget for a similar game.

• "Algodoo is a very similar platform to what was mentioned regarding the game from which I think good ideas can be translated.

• People had used ‘Working Model’ to teach inertia and vibrations through, for example, a pendulum. Also used Phet (https://phet.colorado.edu/es/).
  

Mentoring

A list of mentors and mentees exists. More information about the mentoring programme and sign-up forms will be added to the Wiki.

Internal Communication

Slack and Google Groups are generally effective for internal communication, with an emphasis on concise, focused emails over lengthy ones.

LinkedIn Strategy

Alexandros Theocharis provided an overview of LinkedIn usage (details on slide 38 of the presentation). Key discussion points included:

• The private LinkedIn group will be closed due to infrequent use.

• Engagement is boosted by pictures (40% more engagement) and candid photos of members.
  COST should be tagged in posts for wider reach and potential reshares.

• A communication timeline (see early section or the Confluence page) should be followed.

• Aim for two posts per week at consistent times.

• Post during and shortly after meetings.

• Create "spotlight posts" for new members, publications, and STSM endings.

• All ON-DEM funded activities (meetings, STSMs, dissemination conferences) should have a LinkedIn post.

• Blog posts can be used by anyone with content, which will then be adapted for LinkedIn or sent to communication@on-dem.org.

• Always include a picture or photo in blog posts for content managers to use.

• Create an image gallery for LinkedIn posts.

• Consider using LinkedIn's newsletter feature as a replacement for a separate newsletter.

• A LinkedIn banner and background image for the group are needed.

• Post templates should be created for activities, meetings, person spotlights, etc.

• A "meet the member" post should be created for each new member, at least as a blog.

• Aim for two posts a week: one technical and one informative about the network.

• STSM reports can be used; these should first become blogs.
  

Video Training (YouTube Channel)

Goals and guidelines for video training were established:

• Two videos per year.

• A mixture of short (30 seconds) and long (5 minutes) videos.

• Consider video newsletters.

• Short and long videos on the same topic should be distinct, not just edited versions.

• Videos should include subtitles.

• Gender equality should be carefully considered when creating the videos.

Proposed video topics include:

• Introduction to ON-DEM. This should be the first video created and is a priority.

• Explaining DEM to non-experts.

• Women in DEM.

• Demonstrating each open-source code (published simultaneously).

• Contact models: Explaining physics implementation and which code has them.

• Problems of granular materials in industry.

Practical steps for video creation:

• Utilise the free version of Canva (COST offers free training for one member).

• Use OBS Studio (open-source).

• Organise a dedicated ON-DEM meeting before Christmas to create a video template.

• Host a video competition within the network, with the prize of a talk at the ON-DEM closing conference (inspired by the Powders and Grains competition, which offered an iPad).
  

Newsletter

The current draft newsletter format, with sections for each Workgroup, proved difficult to fill. The solution is to replace these with a general "WG news" section, drawing information from blog posts.

Further suggestions:

• Create an audio newsletter (podcast) with subtitles, potentially using Spotify or Substack.

• Consider using LinkedIn's newsletter feature.

• WG5 will be responsible for industry-focused sections.

• The current (first) newsletter should be released as soon as possible.

General Discussion about SCP, Communication, Dissemination, and Valorisation:

Discussions focused on keeping non-attending members updated and increasing industrial involvement. Key points regarding industry engagement:

• Misconception of Open-Source Quality: The idea that open-source code is inherently buggy or low quality was refuted, citing examples of issues in commercial software.

• Lack of Granular Materials Education: The belief that granular materials are not problematic or necessary to teach was identified as a major challenge. Mike Bradley's long-standing point that mechanical engineers are weak in this area, while chemical engineers are better, was highlighted. Relevant papers were cited:
  [1] E.W. Merrow, Linking R&D to problems experienced in solids processing, Chem. Eng. Prog. 1985 (May) 14–22.
  [2] B.J. Ennis, J. Green, R. Davies, The legacy of neglect in the U.S., Chem. Eng. Prog. 1994 (April) 32–43.
  [3] E.W. Merrow, Estimating startup times for solids-processing plants, Chem. Eng. 1988 (Oct. 24) 89–92.
  [4] E.W. Merrow, Problems and progress in particle processing, Chem. Innov. 2000 (Jan.) 35–41.
  https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/09/science/what-makes-sand-soft.html?smid=tw-share

  • A paper by McNulty was also mentioned.

  • Addressing this will be a key action. Using industry to advocate for more granular materials education and creating a YouTube video on the topic were suggested. Benchmarking test cases would be beneficial.

• Problem of Scale: The challenge of applying DEM to industrial problems with a large number of particles was acknowledged.

• Joint Meetings: Regular joint online meetings between SCC, WG5, and WG6 were proposed.
  WG5 Paper: WG5’s paper on barriers to commercial utilisation and user difficulties will inform these efforts.

• Industry Engagement Events: Powtech (and Partec) should be leveraged to engage more companies in ON-DEM.
  

Industrial Valorisation

The second day focused on industrial engagement, starting with a review of WG5's actions.

Advertising to Industry

The chosen slogan, "Innovate. Collaborate. Simulation with ON-DEM," will be used for the entire network. Discussions about advertising methods led to the decision to create academic and industrial posters and two-sided leaflets, freely available to all members. These will be tested at Powtech/Partech, with concept designs created during the meeting and finalised by a WG5 team.

Review of Industrial Test Cases

Luca Orefice led a review of industrial test cases, which ideally involve a blind process:

1. Industrial problem definition with industry, Donna, Daniel, and Anthony (and WG5 members).

2. Public release of a detailed process description.

3. Code simulation of the process.

4. Comparison of results with each other and industrial data.
   

The first two challenge problems will be:

• Screw feeder

• IBC: This case is fully set up, but there is no validation data, only industrially relevant conditions.
  

It was noted that many collected problems lacked sufficient detail. While some were dissatisfied, it was suggested that industry may be unable or unwilling to provide highly detailed data, so the focus may shift to demonstrating problem-solving capabilities rather than detailed comparisons. WG5 will attempt to gain access to industrial experimental facilities for more detailed data but is not optimistic. An additional, very difficult problem involving active materials was suggested. Sadegh Nadimi presented Ocular Systems, offering free calibration work for industrial test cases.

White Paper on Barriers to Industrial Adoption

The white paper, though overdue, has expanded in scope. The first-year report of WG5 (soon available in the deliverables section) details many barriers, with the second-year report to include the ON-DEM ViPr industrial session. Suggested additions to the paper include:

• Appendix: Explaining the open-source business model.

• Chapter on open-source success stories (already planned), to be gathered via LinkedIn and MercuryLab customers.
  

A full outline of the paper was presented during the meeting. The answers to a questionnaire were reviewed, and suggestions for additional questions included company size (employees, turnover) and the most common simulation types used by industry. Willie Hendrickson was suggested as a resource for help with questionnaires and paper writing.

Finally, a point that came up in this session is that the current growth in DEM usage should be compared to the historic growth in FEM; this could be added to the MoU.

Certification and Training

WG5's certification and training plan was deemed good but ambitious. Daniel, the new Certification Manager, will establish a group to begin implementing the plan. The core idea is to set standards that existing courses can achieve (e.g., "ON-DEM level"). Detailed content discussions will follow once basic infrastructure is in place. Certification of software (e.g., "independently tested on these cases, with these features") was also proposed.

The initial step is to create a standard and a set of materials that meet it, which can then be taught in 3-4 locations to kickstart the process. This initiative could generate sustainable income for the network by offering free training but charging for assessment/certificates, with tiered pricing for advanced courses. Lower levels could involve simple online tests, while higher levels would require more controlled assessments (e.g., online interviews).

The plan moving forward:

• Establish a governance body (ideally with industrial participation) to create the governance structure and course standards.

• Have a Level 0 (foundation) course and standards by the end of the action (September 2027), considering MOOCs from Stefan Radl for basic DEM skills.
  

The session concluded with a discussion on AI's impact on training simulations, noting that AI can hinder programming skills but also offers opportunities for writing driver codes/input files for open-source codes, especially those with numerous open examples.

In the expanding field of particle technology and discrete element methods, Dr Francesca Orsola Alfano stands out as a promising figure. Co-leading Working Group 6 within the ON-DEM Action, her research has had real impact, combining theoretical rigor, computational sophistication, and relevance for pharmaceutical applications.

Dr Alfano earned her PhD in Civil & Industrial Engineering in 2023 from the University of Calabria (UniCal), Italy. Her doctoral work, supervised by Prof. Alberto Di Renzo and Prof. Francesco P. Di Maio, is entitled “DEM-CFD Simulation of Fluid-Particle Flow in Carrier-Based Dry Powder Inhalers for Pharmaceutical Applications”. She also holds a BSc (2015) and MSc (2018) in Chemical Engineering from the same institution. After her PhD, she has continued her research at UniCal, and has held visiting positions at the University of Magdeburg (Germany) and the University of Leeds (UK).

Dr Alfano’s research centres on advanced numerical modelling using CFD-DEM to understand fluid-particle interactions in dry powder inhalers. Key areas include how carrier particles and active pharmaceutical ingredients interact, deaggregation dynamics, dispersion under airflow, and aerodynamic effects on powder release. Her work has made strong use of DEM simulation tools, adhesive interactions modelling, carrier-wall and particle collisions, and particle dispersion mechanisms.

Her strong publication record, international collaborations, and recognition for communicating her research (presentations, awards) all underline her growing influence. Her recent awards and recognition are listed here:

• EFCE Excellence Award 2025 (Mechanics of Particulate Solids, European Federation of Chemical Engineering) for her PhD thesis; recognised for its technical quality, industrial relevance, innovation, and dissemination.

• Young Researcher Award, Imperial College London, 2022

• Best Presentation Award, World Congress on Particle Technology, Madrid, 2022

• Best Paper Award, International Conference on Circulating Fluidized Bed Technology, Taiyuan, China, 2024

 Dr Francesca Orsola Alfano exemplifies the combination of rigorous computational science, attention to application, and strong academic communication. Her work not only advances fundamental understanding of particulate flows but also has significant implications for inhaler efficiency and respiratory drug delivery.

Alexandros Theocharis

Date and Participants

The second WG2 meeting of 2025 took place on 19 August in Bitola, hosted at the University of St Kliment Ohridski. Around 15 participants attended, including core WG2 members, several WG3 participants, and local collaborators.

Goals

WG2’s primary deliverable for Year 2 is ensuring a functional contact model database portal. It must already be reliable and usable by the end of the year, with the understanding that a portal like this will require continuous improvement in the future. The main focus of this meeting was refining the platform to correct errors, improve usability, and prepare for wider adoption.

The meeting was divided into three sections:

1. Portal Updates – A walk-through of recent improvements and structural changes to the database interface.

2. Hands-On Testing – Participants registered and created some trial models, testing the full data entry flow.

3. Discussion and Feedback – Participants have shared their opinions, raised issues and errors.

Key Outcomes and Observations

Below are some major observations that we had during the meeting

• Submission Flow:

  • Add "Submit a new model" button on the main/contact list pages.

  • Rename "Submit" to "Next" on intermediate steps.

  • Auto-show text box when "Other" is selected.

  • Make certain fields, especially on page 2 mandatory.

• UI/UX Tweaks:

  • Improve filtering (e.g., MacOS = MacOS-only + All).

  • Remove non-essential columns, add software column.

  • Hide "Register" button when logged in.

• Model Structuring:

  • Split models into "mechanical cohesionless" and "other physics".

  • Support multiple category selections.

  • Keep I/O parameters as two lists: inputs vs. others.

• Data & Linking:

  • Use "TBD" for implementation refs pre-publication.

  • WG4 test cases will link to models.

  • Handbook (Y3) to encourage uploads.

• Tech Notes:

  • Prefer "dimension" over "unit" in JSON.

  • Particle shape list updated with more specific terms.

Future Work

Next steps will focus on implementing the changes above, as well as more testing.

On 20 February 2025, Working Group 3 (Data Processing and Visualization) of the ON-DEM Action met in Bitola, alongside colleagues from WG2. Our discussions focused on one of the central challenges for our community: developing an open and interoperable file format for DEM simulations.

Goals of the Meeting

At this stage of the Action, WG3 is working toward Deliverable D3.2 (Month 30): Open DEM file format specifications and guidelines. The objective is to create a standard capable of handling data from different DEM codes, while remaining lightweight, transparent, and practical for both academic and industrial use.

To this end, the Bitola workshop was structured around three main themes:

1. Materials and Contact Parameters

   • We began drafting a table, comparing how major DEM codes store these properties. This is being developed collaboratively in a shared Google Sheet.

   • We also agreed that naming conventions must be standardized (leaning toward snake_case) to avoid fragmentation.

2. File Format Cleanup and Gaps

   • We reviewed the current schema and noted several inconsistencies and missing elements.

   • Key gaps include the scene and materials sections, which need to be fully defined, as well as refinements to the interactions block.

3. Boundary Conditions (BCs)

   • Defining BCs in a unified way remains a major task.

   • Although this work was postponed in Bitola, we outlined categories of BCs (fixed/moving boundaries, periodic boundaries, servo-controlled conditions) that will require a cross-code representation.

Progress and Next Steps

Although we could not cover all the planned activities, the Bitola meeting gave us a solid advance:

• The materials/contact parameters table is being populated and will form the backbone of the new format.

• File format inconsistencies are being flagged for correction.

• Naming conventions will be revisited after the first round of data collection.

Looking ahead, WG3 will:

• Complete the materials/contact parameters table.

• Continue work on defining boundary condition standards.

• Contribute to benchmarking activities, ensuring that the file format supports reproducible comparisons across codes.

The meeting in Bitola confirmed the value of hands-on workshops: participants actively worked together on shared documents, ensuring progress that will carry over to the next stages of ON-DEM.

At The University of Sydney we are using DEM as our main STEM outreach tool. Around 1,000 high school students per year come to the University on a variety of outreach programs, and go through a DEM-based experience. The experience itself is in virtual reality, and is available open source for anyone to use by going putting on a VR headset and navigating here.

The activity takes around 30 minutes, and students are guided through the difference between a line, a disk, a sphere and a hypersphere. They then go on to play with a few interactive environments, and finally end up playing four dimensional pool with 4D hyperspheres. A browser-based version of this last activity is embedded below. We get lots of excellent feedback from this from participants, and it ties well with a couple of points in the Australian high school curriculum.

If anyone is interested in using this activity please feel free. If you would like to customise it for your own purposes it is also quite straightforward. The voice overs, order of activities, and adding/removing activities is all relatively simple, with a few examples here. Please email me at benjy.marks@sydney.edu.au if you have any questions or would like support making changes or getting this up and running at your institution.

Also check out our website here with more open source activities targeted at University level students.

Work Group 5 has prepared two surveys aimed at advancing our understanding of Discrete Element Method (DEM) simulations in industry. Your input is crucial in shaping the future of DEM applications, and we would greatly appreciate your participation and support in sharing these surveys.

📌 Survey 1: Exploring the Current Landscape of DEM Usage 
📌 Survey 2: Exploring Barriers to DEM Adoption in Industry 

These surveys will be posted on LinkedIn at 16:30 CET. To maximise reach, please like, share, and repost to help spread the word. After this time, feel free to create your own posts to promote them further—every bit of exposure helps!

If you have any questions or suggestions, don’t hesitate to reach out. Thank you for your support!

We’re excited to announce the ON-DEM minisymposium at the upcoming DEM10 conference, in Japan! If you have ON-DEM-related work to share, we strongly encourage you to participate and present your research.

We welcome presentations on:

• Results of ON-DEM Working Groups

• ON-DEM codes and training materials

• Other research or developments related to ON-DEM

Abstract Submission:
Submit your abstract here: DEM10 Abstract Submission

Full Minisymposia Abstract:
Particle-based simulations, including the Discrete Element Method (DEM), are widely used across disciplines to model materials such as sand, food grains, pharmaceuticals, and bulk solids. Despite its versatility, selecting the right DEM software can be challenging due to a steep learning curve and diverse approaches. Open-source packages address many of these challenges, offering cost-free access, promoting reproducibility, and avoiding “black box” issues associated with commercial software.

To advance DEM capabilities, the European COST network ‘Open Network on DEM Simulations (ON-DEM)’ focuses on:

1. Tackling large-scale industrial and engineering problems

2. Enhancing realism through advanced physics

3. Accelerating analysis with big data and visualization tools

4. Standardizing best practices

5. Expanding the commercial use of DEM codes

This minisymposium will highlight ON-DEM’s achievements and provide a platform for discussing open-source particle simulations. Suggested topics include:

• Open-source particle simulation codes

• Industrial applications

• Coupling with fluid or solid solvers

• Simulation optimisation

• Standardising visualisation tools

We look forward to your submissions and participation. Let’s showcase the exciting progress and opportunities in the ON-DEM community together!

We are kicking off another exciting year for ON-DEM! This year, we have 6 workgroup meetings planned, along with two training sessions, and we’re already gearing up for our first official spin-off mini-symposium at DEM10.

The workgroup meetings will adopt a new format this year, focusing on action rather than discussion. It will be organised in a way that allows participants to contribute to all working groups they are actively involved in, with one group meeting at a time. Full details about the meeting and training sessions will be available here:
Past and upcoming events as they become available. If you'd like to stay updated, please make sure to watch this page (click the eye symbol to subscribe to notifications).

The first major event to focus on is the training and workshop in Twente, The Netherlands, scheduled for January 28-30. This will feature meetings for WG1, WG2, and WG6, the first training session of the year on ML/AI, and the joint ViPr workshop, which aligns well with the goals of WG1. More details will follow soon, but please save the date if you are interested in participating in these activities.

Our first in-person meeting, the Opening Conference and Training, took place from May 14-16.2024, at Aalto University in Finland. This event marked an exciting milestone for our working groups as it was the first time many of us met face-to-face after countless online meetings. The atmosphere was charged with enthusiasm as we finally gathered in one place to discuss our collective goals and lay the groundwork for our future collaborations.

Building Connections and Setting Goals

The conference kicked off with each working group focusing on getting to know each other better. Whether in person or through Teams meetings, the time spent together was invaluable in fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose. We took this opportunity to discuss our next steps and outline the first deliverables for our projects. The discussions were rich and productive, setting a solid foundation for the work ahead.

Key Achievements and Presentations

We had an interesting workshop and a valuable exchange of knowledge centered around the ParaView software. It was a great opportunity to dive deeper into its capabilities and explore how it can be applied in our respective fields. The discussions and hands-on sessions were particularly helpful in enhancing our understanding and usage of the software.

Throughout the conference, we were treated to a series of presentations by our colleagues, showcasing their work and achievements. These presentations provided valuable insights into the diverse expertise within our groups and sparked ideas for future collaborations. The exchange of knowledge and experience was one of the highlights of the event, leaving us inspired and motivated to continue pushing the boundaries of our research.

Fun and Connections in Helsinki

After the formal sessions, we had some free time to explore Helsinki and further strengthen our connections. Whether it was through casual conversations over dinner or group activities in the city, these moments allowed us to bond beyond the professional sphere. The vibrant culture and beautiful surroundings of Helsinki added to the enjoyment, making our time there not only productive but also memorable.

Looking Ahead

As we move forward, the relationships and plans we established during this opening conference will guide our work. The key achievements and insights gained here have already started to shape our projects, and we’re excited to see how our collaboration will evolve.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue this journey together!

See you in Vilnius!

Here you can find more details about the meeting schedule and reviews from all the Working Groups:

WG1: Review of meeting in Helsinki, Finland on 16th May 2024

WG2: Review of meeting in Helsinki, Finland on 16th May 2024

WG3: Review of meeting in Helsinki, Finland on 16th May 2024

WG4: Review of meeting in Helsinki, Finland on 16th May 2024

WG5: Review of meeting in Helsinki, Finland on 16th May 2024

Our next significant gathering took place on August 1 2024, at Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, a fitting venue for our focused discussions and collaborative efforts. This meeting brought together members from WG1 , WG2, WG3, and WG4 for a day filled with collaboration, learning, and forward planning.

Introducing New Members and Defining Our Path

The primary focus of this meeting was to introduce the mission and vision of each working group to our new members. It was an important opportunity to ensure everyone was aligned with our goals and understood their roles in achieving them. We also took this time to define specific tasks, gather suggestions, and make demonstrations that highlighted our ongoing work.

Successful Discussions and Next Steps

The discussions during the meeting were not only productive but also energizing. We explored the upcoming challenges and opportunities, focusing on what we need to concentrate on in the near future. The exchange of ideas and perspectives helped to refine our strategies and solidify our next steps.

A Perfect End to a Productive Day

After a full day of fruitful discussions and planning, we spent the evening unwinding in a sauna, enjoying the chance to relax and have meaningful conversations in a more informal setting. This time together outside of the formal meeting allowed us to strengthen our connections and build a deeper sense of camaraderie.

Vilnius

Looking Forward

The Vilnius meeting was a great success, setting the stage for the work ahead. With clear tasks and a shared vision, we are well-prepared to tackle the challenges to come. We’re excited to continue this journey together and look forward to the progress we will make in the upcoming months.

Stay tuned for more updates as we keep moving forward!

See you in Edinburgh!

Here you can find more details about the meeting schedule and reviews from all the Working Groups:

WG1: Review of Workgroup Meeting at Vilnius on 1st August 2024

WG2: Review of Workgroup Meeting at Vilnius on 1st August 2024

WG3: Review of Workgroup Meeting at Vilnius on 1st August 2024

WG4: Review of Workgroup Meeting at Vilnius on 1st August 2024

Welcome to Our New Blog!

Welcome to the official blog of our working groups! We’re excited to introduce this platform as a space where we can all come together to share our experiences, insights, and progress as we work toward our common goals. Whether you’re a seasoned researcher or new to our community, this blog is for you.

Why We’re Blogging

The purpose of this blog is simple: to create a dynamic, engaging space where we can document our journey, celebrate our achievements, and learn from each other. Unlike static pages, which serve as reference points, our blog is a living record of what’s happening in our working groups right now. It’s a place where you can find updates on recent conferences, read personal reflections, and stay informed about the latest developments in our research.

What You Can Expect

We envision this blog as a diverse and vibrant platform that reflects the wide range of activities and ideas within our community. Here’s a glimpse of the types of content you’ll find:

• Event Recaps: Missed a conference or workshop? Catch up on the key takeaways and experiences from your colleagues who attended.

• Research Updates: Stay informed about the latest progress in our projects. Learn about new findings, ongoing challenges, and future directions.

• Personal Insights: Everyone has a unique perspective, and we encourage you to share yours. Whether it’s a story from the field, a reflection on a meeting, or thoughts on a new research idea, your voice matters.

• Announcements: Keep an eye out for important updates, upcoming events, and other news that affects our community.

How You Can Contribute

We want this blog to be a true reflection of our collective efforts, and that means we need your contributions. Writing for the blog is an opportunity to share your work, engage with others, and make your voice heard. Whether you have a detailed research update or just a quick thought to share, there’s a place for you here.

To make it easier for everyone to participate, we’ve put together a few guidelines:

• Structure: Start with a clear title and an introduction that grabs attention. Organize your content with subheadings, and wrap up with a conclusion that leaves readers with something to think about.

• Tone: We aim for a tone that’s informative but approachable. Think of it as a conversation with colleagues—clear, concise, and engaging.

• Length: Posts can vary in length, but we suggest aiming for 500-1000 words. This ensures enough detail without overwhelming the reader.

• Visuals: Images, graphs, and videos can greatly enhance your post. Feel free to include them to make your content more engaging.

To make it easier for everyone to participate, we’ve put together a few guidelines. For more details, you can check these pages:

Detailed Science communication and dissemination plan

Useful resources

Getting Started

Ready to contribute? Follow the links above to get all the details. Remember, while we provide guidelines to help you get started, you’re free to express yourself in your own unique way. There are no strict rules—just be mindful to share information that matters and contributes positively to our community. And if you ever need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to help.

We’re thrilled to see where this journey takes us and look forward to reading your stories, insights, and updates. Together, we can make this blog a valuable resource and an inspiring space for everyone in our working groups.

Happy blogging!