Interstellar dust modelling: Interfacing laboratory, theoretical and
  observational studies (The THEMIS model)
  The construction of viable and physically-realistic interstellar dust models
is only possible if the constraints imposed by laboratory data on interstellar
dust analogue materials are respected and used within a meaningful theoretical
framework. These physical dust models can then be directly compared to
observations without the need for any tuning to fit the observations. Such
models will generally fail to achieve the excellent fits to observations that
empirical models are able to achieve. However, the physically-realistic
approach will necessarily lead to a deeper insight and a fuller understanding
of the nature and evolution of interstellar dust. The THEMIS modelling
approach, based on (hydrogenated) amorphous carbons and amorphous silicates
with metallic Fe and/or FeS nano-inclusions appears to be a promising move in
this direction.
