The future of water management is here. The Centre for Water Systems (CWS) at the University of Exeter (UNEXE) recently hosted the WATERLINE Virtual Forum on April 28th and 29th, bringing together leading experts from across the UK and Europe to explore cutting-edge digital technologies and strategies for building a more resilient and efficient water sector.
Driving Digital Transformation in Water Management
The event brought together a wide range of stakeholders including academics, businesses, water companies, local authorities, and community representatives from MCAST , Cetaqua – Water Technology Centre, Centre for Research & Technology Hellas (CERTH), KWR Water Research Institute, British Geological Survey, ARGANS, South West Water, Jacobs , Devon County Council, Torbay Council, and Westcountry Rivers Trust.
The forum focused on how innovative solutions like digital twins – virtual replicas of our water systems that use real-time data to predict challenges and optimise operations – are revolutionising the way we manage this vital resource.
Highlights from Day 1: Exploring the Digital Landscape
The forum’s first day focused on the current landscape of digital innovation in water management, featuring presentations and insights on emerging #technologies, digital twin applications, effective data management ecosystems, and the challenges of commercialising new solutions.
The first day explored the current state of digital innovation in water management. Attendees heard presentations on emerging technologies, data management ecosystems, and the challenges of bringing new solutions to market, including:
- Extended Reality Vision: Mr Edwin Zammit, the coordinator of the WATERLINE project, and Mr Daren Scerri (MCAST) shared the WATERLINE vision for using #extendedreality to create #interactive and visual experiences for end-users.
- Digital Twins: Dr Eloisa Vargiu (Cetaqua – Water Technology Centre), the coordinator of IDEATION eu, showcased digital twin development for inland waters within the IDEATION eu project, while Mr Gareth Lewis (CWS) highlighted climate resilience efforts through the ARSINOE_EU project.
- Data Management Ecosystems: Dr Gerasimos Antzoulatos ( Centre for Research & Technology Hellas (CERTH)), the coordinator of WATERVERSE EU, demonstrated the Water Data Management Ecosystems (WDME) developed in the WATERVERSE EU project.
- Digital Transition: Dr Lydia Vamvakeridou-Lyroudia (CWS, KWR Water Research Institute & ICT4Water) emphasised the critical need for digital transformation within the water sector.
- Innovation and commercialisation: A panel discussion, led by Prof Albert Chen (CWS), tackled the hurdles and opportunities in bringing digital water solutions closer to the market.
Highlights from Day 2: Practical Applications & Funding Opportunities
The second day, a hybrid event in collaboration with the IDEATION eu project, focused on practical applications, fostering collaboration, and identifying funding avenues. Sessions included:
- Coastal Water Management: Dr Kate Baker (CWS) led an analysis of digital twin use cases for coastal water management within IDEATION eu.
- Matching Industrial Needs and Research Advancements: Prof Albert Chen (CWS) facilitated a discussion on connecting digital water research with industrial requirements.
- Funding Landscape: Prof Slobodan Djordjević (CWS) provided an overview of funding opportunities from the UK and EU, and explored possible collaborations among the participants.
IDEATION dissemination and stakeholder engagement in the UK
The IDEATION eu project, led by Cetaqua – Water Technology Centre and coordinated by Dr Eloisa Vargiu, actively participated in the WATERLINE UK Virtual Forum on 28 April 2025, hosted by the Centre for Water Systems (CWS) at the University of Exeter (UNEXE). Dr Vargiu joined experts from Malta, Greece, the Netherlands, and the UK to explore advancements in digital water technologies and innovations. The discussions highlighted the diverse landscape of research in this field and sparked valuable insights into industrial needs and potential commercialisation pathways for digital water applications.
On 29 April, Dr Vargiu presented IDEATION’s roadmap for a digital twin of inland waters at a CWS seminar, generating significant interest in the project’s unique approach connecting ocean and freshwater resources.
The visit also facilitated collaborative research exchanges between the IDEATION team and experts from the British Geological Survey and ARGANS on coastal erosion.
In partnership with WATERLINE via CWS, IDEATION eu co-hosted the second day of the WATERLINE UK Virtual Forum, focusing on evaluating a digital twin reference use case for coastal water management and identifying gaps between academic research and industry implementation. The event concluded with discussions regarding potential future collaborations and funding opportunities.
The WATERLINE Virtual Forum successfully connected various stakeholders and demonstrated the incredible potential of digital innovation to transform water management in the UK.
Prof Albert Chen
