From Data to decision making: Advances in Environmental Digital Twins

October 21, 2025 - October 23, 2025
Conference

Hôtel Dupanloup
1 rue Dupanloup
45000 Orleans
France

Presentation

In an era of unprecedented environmental challenges, the potential of digital twins—dynamic, data-driven representations of the real world—has never been more crucial. This conference, From Data to Decision Making, invites international experts and academics to explore the forefront of environmental digital twins. 
 With speakers from diverse international backgrounds, the event promises a rich exchange of ideas, blending technical expertise with innovative thematic insights and visualization techniques. The conference is structured around core sessions, each led by a keynote speaker, covering essential topics specific to environmental digital twins. Sessions include: technical skills, such as data integration, machine learning, real-time monitoring, and AI-based modeling techniques; targeted applications of digital twins in addressing environmental challenges, with case studies ranging from water and soil management to climate adaptation strategies; and the integration of social sciences and humanities to enhance visualization and communication.

 Attendees will benefit from insights shared by four esteemed international speakers alongside a keynote from the JUNON programme, fostering an interdisciplinary perspective. In addition, young researchers will present their latest work in a dynamic poster session featuring impactful flash presentations, with awards for outstanding contributions.

This conference will be a place to discuss projects encouraging collaborative engagement and practical solutions to pressing environmental issues. In addition, a unique evening event will showcase the research carried out by young people in collaboration with JUNON and local secondary schools. This is an opportunity for attendees to witness the enthusiasm and creativity of the next generation, driving forward the future of environmental digital twins.
Held in the historic city of Orléans, along the scenic banks of the Loire River, the event offers an inspiring environment steeped in heritage and natural beauty, ideal for forward-thinking discussions on environmental innovation.

This conference is funded by the ARD CVL JUNON Programme, an ambitious initiative launched in the Centre Val-de-Loire region that aims to establish a pioneering research hub focused on environmental digital twins and natural resource management.

Junon_Logo

 

Convenor

Sébastien Dupraz

French Geological Survey (BRGM) - FR 

Confirmed speakers

Click on the name to display the abstract

  • Marianna Charitonidou, Think Through Design Architectural, Urban and Landscape Design Studio Marianna Charitonidou - GR
    Marianna Charitonidou

     Think Through Design Architectural, Urban and Landscape Design Studio Marianna Charitonidou

    Address:  119 Artemidos, 17562, Athens -  Greece

     Email: m.charitonidou@icloud.com

    Dr. Marianna Charitonidou is the Founder and CEO of Think Through Design Architectural, Urban and Landscape Design Studio Marianna Charitonidou (https://charitonidou.com). She is a licensed architect engineer, urbanist, and historian/theorist of architecture and urbanism. She holds a PhD Degree and an MPhil Degree from the National Technical University of Athens, an MSc Degree from the Architectural Association, and a Master’s Degree from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. She is the author of many books, among which are: Reinventing Modern Architecture in Greece: From Sentimental Topography to Ekistics (London, New York: Routledge, 2025), Architectural Drawings as Investigating Devices: Architecture’s Changing Scope in the 20th Century (Routledge, 2023) and Drawing and Experiencing Architecture: The Evolving Significance of City's Inhabitants in the 20th Century (Transcript Publishing, 2022). Among her highly cited scientific publications is “Urban scale digital twins in data-driven society: Challenging digital universalism in urban planning decision-making” published in the International Journal of Architectural Computing. She has been teaching at the University level since 2012. She has been a Lecturer and Researcher at ETH Zurich, Princeton University, Columbia University, École française de Rome, the Getty Research Institute and the Canadian Centre for Architecture. She has received many awards for her research, teaching, conferences and writings on architecture and urban studies. She curated the exhibition The View from the Car: Autopia as a New Perceptual Regime (https://viewfromcarexhibition.gta.arch.ethz.ch/) at ETH Zurich.

    Urban scale digital twins and shaping a sustainable future of city planning: Socio-technical perspectives and urban planning policymaking

    The presentation aims to explore how urban scale digital twins can combine social and environmental equity. A point of departure of the presentation is the fact that the debates on smart cities often focus on technical issues, neglecting the social aspects of urban planning. My presentation intends to investigate how the role of urban scale digital twins in shaping urban policies can be informed by socio-technical perspectives that incorporate social and policy issues related to democracy and climate change. To combine environmental and social equity, it is pivotal to bring together the social and technical viewpoints of urban planning. This can become possible by establishing decision-making strategies that focus on how participatory design methods can be related to using urban scale digital twins in policy-making concerning urban planning. At the core of the presentation is the comparison of different cases of urban scale digital twins worldwide. I also scrutinise how each of them treated data collection and the role of citizens in decision-making.   Recently, the notion of urban scale digital twin has acquired a central place in the domain of urban planning and particularly within the field concerning smart cities design. The potential of urban-scale digital twins lies mainly in their capacity to monitor activities in the city and use the monitoring data to shape more sustainable design solutions. Among the technologies used to create urban-scale digital twins are the Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, big data, and Artificial Intelligence (AI). “Digital twin” is a term used to refer to the digital representation that enables comprehensive data exchange. It can contain models, simulations, and algorithms describing their counterparts and their features and behaviour in the real world. A “digital twin” is a digital representation of a physical process, person, place, system, or device. Digital twins are conceptualised as digital replicas of physical entities. They are based on technological advances such as sensing, processing, and data transmission. Apart from the field of urban analytics, they are also used in the domain of computational social sciences. Within the framework of the endeavour to explore design methods that promote sustainability on both the urban and architectural scale, the presentation will analyse the potential of urban scale digital twins lies mainly in their capacity to monitor activities in the city and to use the data of monitoring for shaping more sustainably efficient design solutions. 

     

  • Marine Gonse, Computer Science, Image, Interaction Laboratory (L3i), La Rochelle University - FR
    Marine Gonse

    Computer Science, Image, Interaction Laboratory (L3i), La Rochelle University

    Address:  Institut LUDI,  Bâtiment Pascal - Avenue Michel Crépeau, 17042 La Rochelle Cedex 1 - France

     Email: randon_marine@orange.fr

    Marine Gonse is a marine ecologist with expertise in animal movement modelling, ecological forecasting, and biologging. She holds a PhD from L’Institut Agro (France), where she studied the spatial structure and connectivity of a flatfish population. She later developed a real-time forecasting system for endangered killer whales at Simon Fraser University (Canada) and conducted postdoctoral research at Ifremer on the movement ecology of seabass, pollack, and spiny lobster. She now leads a four-year Chair Junior project at La Rochelle University (L3i Lab), aiming to build a digital twin of marine animal movements using biologging data and generative AI. Her work bridges marine ecology, statistics, and artificial intelligence, with the goal of developing innovative tools to support biodiversity conservation and sustainable ocean use.

    Building a Digital Twin for Marine Wildlife: Forecasting Animal Movements in a Changing Ocean

    In the context of climate change and growing human activity at sea, predicting marine ecosystem responses in near real time is essential for effective ocean conservation and management. This relies on developing ecological forecasting tools that integrate multimodal observations with statistical models. Such systems can support marine spatial planning by forecasting animal movements and reducing conflicts between wildlife and human activities, such as habitat incursions or vessel collisions.

    I will introduce the concept of a digital twin of animal movement and the challenges of monitoring and modelling such processes. I will then present a real-time data-assimilative forecasting system developed in 2022 to predict Southern Resident Killer Whales’ movements in the Salish Sea. This endangered population faces a high risk of vessel collision. Using opportunistic sightings and movement models within a probabilistic data assimilation framework, we forecasted whale locations up to 2.5 hours ahead with <5 km error. An R Shiny app was built to visualize whale trajectories and vessel positions.

    Finally, I will present a new project that uses biologging data and generative AI to develop a digital twin of marine animal movement. Biologging provides rich multimodal datasets to reconstruct past behaviours. Generative models will simulate realistic trajectories and forecast future habitats, enabling new insights into population responses to climate and anthropogenic pressures.

     

  • Félix Iglesias Vázquez, TU Wien, Institute of Telecommunications - AT
    Félix Iglesias Vázquez

    TU Wien

    Address:  Gusshausstraße 25 / E389, 1040, Vienna, Austria

     Email: felix.iglesias@tuwien.ac.at

    Dipl.-Ing. Dr. techn. Félix Iglesias Vázquez is a Machine Learning and AI expert specializing in feature engineering, unsupervised learning, streaming, and time-dependent data. With around 60 scientific publications in top-tier venues, he has contributed to numerous national and international research projects. As a Senior Scientist at TU Wien, his work focuses on anomaly detection, machine learning algorithms, and network traffic analysis.
    He has taught and led R&D initiatives across several European countries, addressing data analysis and AI challenges in diverse domains—including renewable energy, sustainable architecture, environmental science, IoT, cybersecurity, network communications, and medicine. His collaborations span government, industry, and academic institutions.

    Why Generative AI Won’t Save the Planet (but Cognitive Twins Might)
    Rethinking AI for Environmental Digital Twins

    Current AI innovation is dominated by large language models and generative systems—trained offline on curated, idealized data. While powerful, these models are fundamentally mismatched with the volatile, incomplete, and ever-evolving nature of environmental data. In this talk, we challenge prevailing assumptions of mainstream AI paradigms and redirect attention toward the specific demands of environmental digital twins (EDTs).
    EDTs are not just static models; they require continuous adaptation, real-time reasoning, the ability to detect and respond to novel situations, and intelligibility for human decision-makers. These requirements highlight fundamental challenges in AI, such as catastrophic forgetting, concept drift, novelty detection in streams, and the plasticity–stability tradeoff. These are not peripheral issues but structural limitations that must be addressed in the architecture of EDT systems.
    We refer to a new generation of EDTs—what we might call cognitive twins—as AI-augmented systems that combine environmental modeling with cognitive capabilities like anticipation, adaptation, and communication. These twins go beyond system mirroring: they support reasoning, summarize evolving information, and help experts maintain situational awareness. Intelligence here is not just computational; what makes a twin “cognitive” is tied to architectural clarity, goal coherence, and the relevance of what is being modeled—questions that remain irreducibly human.
    While AI can assist in harmonization and local decisions, it cannot define what matters, what to model, or why the system exists. These are design questions, not engineering ones. This talk outlines a roadmap toward operational, self-aware, and enduring EDTs.

  • Fabrice Klein, Grand Port Maritime de Bordeaux - FR
    Fabrice Klein

    Grand Port Maritime de Bordeaux 

    Address:  152 quai de Bacalan, 33000 Bordeaux - France

     Email: f-klein@bordeaux-port.fr

    Fabrice Klein, PhD in Computer Engineering and Signal Processing, joined the Port of Bordeaux in 2002 (in charge of maritime instrumentation). From 2012 to 2016, he headed the Port of Bordeaux's IT Department, and since 2016 has participated in European applied research projects to prepare the port of the future.
    He manages the river's digital twins, co-constructed with local water stakeholders, which has led to the creation of a platform in operation since April 2023 that now hosts several digital models, such as that of the Saint Lawrence.
    These technologies and this vision have helped fuel future use cases for the citiverse for territorial resilience: https://www.itu.int/metaverse/virtual-worlds/

    Operating Report of LISOS Digital Twins: Accelerating the resilience of territories to climate change and developing hydro-diplomacy

    The river's digital twins, which have been in operation since April 2023, aim to anticipate the impacts of climate change through open tools that bring together local authorities and private actors. A demonstrator on the St. Lawrence River (Canada) has proven the interoperability of this approach with other rivers. By integrating open data such as upstream flow, weather conditions and climate projections, this system simulates historical or future scenarios while assessing various impacts (water discharges, temperature rise, etc.).
    It is aimed at a wide audience (decision-makers, local authorities, design offices, scientists, IT experts, citizens) that it seeks to federate for the benefit of the territory and local authorities. 
    The pooling of efforts and the sharing of results, facilitated by Open Source, thus make it possible to accelerate territorial resilience in the face of climate change.
    For local authorities, this tool facilitates environmental studies, reduces study times and costs and allows digital work to be shared, thus enriching the model. It also offers more autonomy to more easily exploit the results of simulations and launch new ones. 
    The project illustrates how technology and the digital commons can respond to environmental challenges, foster hydro-diplomacy and encourage participatory democracy to anticipate conflicts related to water scarcity.

     

Location

Hotel Dupanloup

 

Hôtel Dupanloup : 1, rue Dupanloup - 45000 ORLEANS - FR

The conference venue is unique. Located right next to the Orléans’ cathedral, the episcopal palace of Orléans, built between 1635 and 1641, locally known as the Hôtel Dupanloup, is a classical French building which served until 1905 of residence to the bishops of Orléans.  Since 2014, the renewed palace hosts the International University Center for Research and Le Studium Loire Valley Institute for Advanced Studies.

Participants will be welcomed in this exceptional surrounding, blending Middle Age and Renaissance cultures with modern design and will have the opportunity to discover French cuisine and wines.

General Information

Information
Congress Venue

 Hôtel Dupanloup, 1 rue Dupanloup

45000 Orléans, France

Dates
 Dates

Monday, 20 October  - Friday, 24 October 2025

Language
 Language

The official language of the Congress is English

Badge
Welcome pack and Name Badge

 Upon arrival you will receive a welcome pack that includes the printed material of the Conference and your name badge will be given to you at the reception . Please wear your name badge at all times during the Conference and to all official Conference events.

Invitation Letters
Invitation Letters

 An official letter of invitation facilitating the obtention of an entry visa can be sent upon request . In order to receive an invitation letter for visa purposes, send an email to maurine.villiers@lestudium-ias.fr. Please note that : 
- we only issue an official letter once the payment of the registration fee has been validated.
- such letters do not represent a commitment on the part of the Organisers to provide any financial assistance.

Certificat
Certificate of attendance

 After the conference, in order to receive a certficate of participation, send an email to maurine.villiers@lestudium-ias.fr

Hotel
Hotels

List of recommended Hotels in Orléans

Restaurant
Restaurant

List of recommended Restaurants in Orléans

 How to get there ?

Train
By train: 

* Orléans centre station
 1.5 hour trip from Paris (Austerlitz)

 * Les Aubrais station (4km from Orleans town centre)
Tramway A, 10 minutes trip to Orléans centre station

 

> Plan your trip by train: https://www.sncf-connect.com/en-en/

Voiture
By car:

GPS: 47.90243, 1.91179
Please note that you can't park in the courtyard in front of the Hotel Dupanloup.
Paid car parks nearby : 
Parking Cathédrale, Rue Saint-Pierre Lentin, 45000 Orléans
Parking Hôtel de Ville, 4 Rue Fernand Rabier, 45000 Orléans

Avion
 By plane:

*Arrival at Roissy Charles De Gaulle (CDG) airport
Take RER B in direction to Saint Rémy Les Chevreuse, step out at Gare du Nord Stop
Take Metro 5 in direction to Place d'Italie, step out at Gare d'Austerlitz Stop 

> Then take a train to Orléans (see "by train" section above)

*Arrival at Paris-Orly (ORY) airport: 
Take RER C from Pont de Rungis – Aéroport d’Orly in direction to Pontoise.
Step out at Gare d'Austerlitz Stop

> Then take a train to Orléans (see "by train" section above)  

Pricing

(Including three lunches, a wine & cheese cocktail and the coffee breaks)

Public institutions 200 EUR
Students & PhD Scholars 150 EUR
Gala dinner 60 EUR

 

Cancellation Policy
All cancellations must be made in writing and sent by email to the Registration Department
Up to 30 days prior to conference start – Full refund less €50 handling fee
Less than 30 days prior to conference start – No refund

 

Tourist visits in Orléans :

 

 

Cathédrale Sainte-Croix

Cathédrale Sainte-Croix: A magnificent example of Gothic architecture, this cathedral features intricate stained-glass windows and a beautiful façade. Located in the heart of Orléans, it's a must-see for history and architecture lovers. You can visit it every day from 9am to 6pm from November to March, and from 9am to 7pm from April to October

Place du Martroi

Place  du Martroi: A lively central square surrounded by historical buildings and cafés, perfect for a relaxed afternoon. It’s a great place to immerse yourself in the local atmosphere. 

Musée des Beaux Arts

Musée des Beaux-Arts: Located in a beautiful 18th-century building, this museum showcases a range of art, from classic works to contemporary pieces. It’s an ideal place for art enthusiasts. The museum is open daily except Mondays. It is located at 1 Fernand Rabier Street. Tuesday to Saturday: 10am to 6pm / Thursday: 10am to 8pm and Sunday: 1pm to 6pm. Full price: €8 / Reduced rate : 4 €.

Parc_floral

Parc Floral de la Source: Just a short drive from Orléans, this botanical garden offers a variety of plants, flowers, and themed areas to explore. It’s a great place for nature lovers to relax and enjoy the outdoors. It is located at Avenue du Parc Floral and open between 12pm to 5pm everyday.

MOBE

Orléans Museum for Biodiversity and the Environment: The Orléans Museum for Biodiversity and the Environment is a museum dedicated to natural heritage and scientific culture. A natural heritage conservation center, it documents the fauna, flora, and geology of the Centre-Val de Loire region and beyond. 

FRAC

Fond Régional d’Art Contemporain (FRAC): The missions of the Frac are to build up a collection of contemporary art, focusing on current creation, its dissemination and awareness-raising in the regions, in France and abroad. The Frac Centre-Val de Loire’s collection now represents ninety-four artists and architects. It includes some one thousand architectural models, one thousand artists’ works and more than sixteen thousand drawings. It is endowed with
exceptional collections, thanks to numerous donations.

Chateau
Castles :

 

Chambord

Château de Chambord : A symbol of the French Renaissance, Château de Chambord is one of the most famous castles of the Loire Valley. Built during the reign of Francis I in the 16th century, it stands out for its majestic architecture and its unique double-helix staircase, attributed to Leonardo da Vinci. With 426 rooms and an extensive forested estate, it is a must-visit for history and heritage lovers. You can go to the castle by car, it is located at 50km south of Orléans. 

Chateauneuf

Château de Châteauneuf-sur-Loire: This Renaissance castle, situated about 30 km from Orléans by car, is known for its beautiful gardens and historical significance. It’s an excellent spot for a peaceful day trip with scenic views. It is located at 1 Place Aristide Briand, 45110 Chateauneuf-sur-Loire.

Chamerolles

Domaine de Chamerolles: A Renaissance château located around 20 km from Orléans, it offers beautiful gardens and a fascinating perfume museum. It’s a lovely place to visit for history and fragrance aficionados. It it located at Gallerand, 45170 Chilleurs-aux-Bois. Tour guide in French for €5.10 / Lenght of the visit is minimum 1 hour and a tour booklet is available in French, English, German, Dutch, Italian or Spanish for €1.70.

Sully-sur-loire

Château de Sully sur Loire: Sully-sur-Loire Castle is a magnificent medieval fortress located on the banks of the Loire River. Surrounded by a moat, it features imposing round towers, stone ramparts, and a drawbridge that evoke its rich defensive past. Once the residence of the Dukes of Sully, the château now stands as a stunning example of feudal architecture and a gateway to the Loire Valley’s historic heritage.

Ferte St Aubin
Château de La Ferté Saint-Aubin:  it is a 17th-century manor located in the Sologne region, south of Orléans. Surrounded by a tranquil park and water features, it blends classical architecture with a warm, lived-in charm. Privately owned and open to visitors, the château offers interactive tours, historical reenactments, and even a taste of traditional madeleines from its kitchen.

 

 

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