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DIGITAL TWINS Training ESIIL Summit 2026

Agenda

1. Welcome, Introductions, and Framing (15 min)

  • Welcome:
  • Facilitator introductions

  • Participant introductions   - Name   - Organization   - Area of interest

  • Overview of session goals:   - Build a shared understanding of Digital Twins   - Explore interdisciplinary contributions   - Develop collaborative prototype concepts

2. Interactive Reflection Activity: “What is a Digital Twin?” (35 min)

Prompt Questions

  • What is your understanding of a Digital Twin?
  • Why are you here, and what do you hope to gain or contribute?

Activity Structure

Individual Reflection (5 min)

Participants independently write down their thoughts and ideas.

Pairs Discussion (5 min)

Participants discuss and compare perspectives with a partner.

Small Group Synthesis (10 min)

Two pairs combine into a small group to: - Identify common themes - Discuss differences - Highlight emerging ideas

Full Group Report Back (10 min)

Groups share key insights and recurring themes with the full audience.

3. Framing Presentation: Digital Twins in Sustainability Science (5 min)

Topics

  • Digital Twin concepts and definitions
  • Examples of Digital Twins in sustainability and environmental science
  • Digital Twin infrastructure

Optional Break (5 min)

4. Collaborative Digital Twin Prototyping Session (1 hour)

A. Theme Proposals and Team Formation (10 min)

Participants propose challenge areas or application themes, such as: - Wildfire - Urban heat - Biodiversity - Water resources - Agriculture - Coastal resilience - Infrastructure - Climate adaptation

Participants then self-organize into thematic groups.

B. Prioritization Exercise (10 min)

Groups identify components and priorities for their Digital Twin using the framework:

  • Must Have
  • Should Have
  • Could Have
  • Will Likely Not Have

Materials

  • Sticky notes / Post-its
  • Large collaboration sheets or whiteboards

C. Prototype Design and Mapping (20 min)

Groups collaboratively sketch a conceptual Digital Twin architecture and workflow.

Suggested Components

  • Data streams and observations
  • Modeling and analytics
  • Cyberinfrastructure and computing
  • Visualization and user interaction
  • Decision-support outputs
  • Shareholders and end users
  • Feedback loops and updating mechanisms

Facilitator Support

  • Cibele Amaral — Data systems and integration support
  • Virginia Iglesias — Modeling and simulation support
  • Aashish Mukund — Cyberinfrastructure and computing support

Participants may annotate a Digital Twin framework diagram to identify: - Areas of expertise and contribution - Required components and partnerships - Technical or organizational gaps - Opportunities for collaboration

D. Group Presentations and Feedback (20 min)

Each team presents: - Their proposed Digital Twin concept - Core components and intended users - Priority features and technical needs - Potential scientific or societal applications

Feedback Activity

Participants provide feedback using sticky notes: - Strengths - Opportunities - Questions - Suggested additions or partnerships

5. Closing Remarks (5 min)

Topics

  • Cross-cutting themes and key takeaways
  • Opportunities for future collaboration
  • Potential next steps
  • Community-building and follow-up activities
  • Shared resources and repositories