A Modular Semantic Annotation Framework: CellML Metadata Specifications 2.0

In the last decade or so, model encoding efforts such as CellML and SBML have greatly facilitated model availability. But, as the complexity of models increases, the utility of these models can vary. The addition of semantic information is crucial to transforming mathematical models from esoteric to informative resources. 

We have developed a metadata specification framework to better enable the annotation of CellML models with metadata. The framework consists of a core specification describing, in general terms, how annotations should be attached using RDF/XML, and satellite specifications covering several domains of immediate interest, using elements from the Dublin Core, FOAF (Friend-Of-A-Friend), BIBO (Bibliographic Ontology), MIRIAM URNs and Biomodels Qualifiers.

We also describe what we see as several emerging challenges in the field, uncovered during the application of this annotation scheme to mathematical models