  This work investigates the importance of verification and validation (V\&V)
to achieve predictive scale-resolving simulations (SRS) of turbulence, i.e.,
computations capable of resolving a fraction of the turbulent flow scales.
Toward this end, we present a novel but simple V\&V strategy based on grid and
physical resolution refinement studies that can be used even when the exact
initial flow conditions are unknown, or reference data is unavailable. This is
particularly relevant for transient and transitional flow problems, as well as
for the improvement of turbulence models. We start by presenting a literature
survey of results obtained with distinct SRS models for flows past circular
cylinders. It confirms the importance of V\&V by illustrating a large
variability of results, which is independent of the selected mathematical model
and Reynolds number. The proposed V\&V strategy is then used on three
representative problems of practical interest. The results illustrate that it
is possible to conduct reliable verification and validation exercises with SRS
models, and evidence the importance of V\&V to predictive SRS of turbulence.
The data also confirm the advantages of the proposed V\&V strategy.
