The Iliad Academy to Support Capacity Building in Digital Twins of the Ocean

The Iliad Project launches the Iliad Academy, a digital learning platform designed to equip professionals, researchers, and stakeholders with the knowledge and tools needed to understand, develop, and apply Digital Twins of the Ocean (DTOs). By pairing technical skills with an understanding of sustainable development principles, the Iliad Academy prepares stakeholders (authorities, professionals, and citizen scientists alike) to address the pressing challenges of ocean stewardship through informed, data-driven solutions.

The Academy is structured into five main sections, each addressing a critical aspect of digital twin development and application. The Academy offers a growing collection of self-paced, expert-led courses on key topics such as data sharing principles (FAIR, CARE, TRUST), ocean data interoperability, application packaging, citizen science, and real-time modeling techniques. 

Some of the courses include: 

How to Build Digital Twins of the Ocean: Challenges and Opportunities in Setting Up Pilot Sites

Citizen Science: How Society Can Help Build and Benefit from Digital Twins of the Oceans

Tools, Methods, and Standards for Application Packaging

Exploring Digital Twins of the Oceans: New Tools for Innovation and Sustainability

In addition to its courses, the Academy hosts a library of recorded webinars and sessions led by academic and industry experts covering a wide spectrum of themes, from data science and marine conservation to innovation strategy and policy frameworks. Webinars are available on demand, offering flexible and in-depth insights to support lifelong learning and professional development.

A repository of documentation, software guides, and digital tools developed by Iliad partners is available to support further the creation, implementation, and deployment of DTOs in research, policy, and industry settings. The Iliad Academy also showcases interactive pilots of digital twin real-world applications across diverse ocean sectors, illustrating how digital twins are actively transforming ocean planning, management, and decision-making.  Moreover, a curated list of third-party resources of external materials, frameworks, and initiatives complements the Academy’s content and extends its practical utility. 

The Academy’s flexible, on-demand access enables participants to explore and review material at their convenience. This approach enhances comprehension of complex topics and promotes continuous professional development by highlighting diverse career opportunities. Interaction with leading experts and innovators encourages learners to apply fresh perspectives and proven practices to their academic pursuits, projects, or career advancement. 

All materials on the Iliad Academy are publicly accessible and free, reflecting the project’s commitment to openness, collaboration, and community engagement. 

Who is it for?

The Iliad Academy is designed to meet the diverse needs of its global user base: 

• Academics and Students benefit from comprehensive learning materials and technical modules that support research and teaching in marine technologies, environmental science, and data analytics. 

• Industry Professionals in sectors such as aquaculture, shipping, and offshore energy can apply DTO knowledge to optimize operations, monitor environments, and enhance sustainability. 

• Policymakers and Government Agencies gain tools for evidence-based decision-making on ocean governance, marine conservation, and climate adaptation strategies. 

• Citizen Scientists and the General Public are encouraged to build ocean literacy, contribute to data collection, and engage in community-driven environmental initiatives. 

By tailoring content for these diverse audiences, the Iliad Academy fosters a collaborative learning environment where knowledge leads directly to action, whether informing policy, scaling innovation, or strengthening local engagement.