This proposal outlines an interdisciplinary research programme designed to address core challenges in digital twinning technology and leverage its potential for enhancing government crisis response and resilience within the transport sector. Our programme directly aligns with the funding objectives of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and its partner councils.

Challenges and Opportunities

Digital twins, virtual representations of physical systems, hold immense promise for improving preparedness, response, and recovery during crises. However, significant research gaps hinder their full utilization:

• Dynamic Modelling: Current models struggle to accurately simulate rare events and extreme scenarios that often characterize crises. We need robust frameworks for stress testing and scenario-based planning.

• Decision Support: Integrating information from diverse sources and translating it into actionable insights for decision-makers under pressure remains a challenge. Uncertainty quantification and risk visualization tools are crucial.

• Scalability and Interoperability: Frictionless integration between digital twins of individual transport systems and their connection to broader critical national infrastructure networks is essential for a holistic understanding of cascading effects during a crisis.

Proposed Programme

This programme aims to bridge these gaps by:

• Developing advanced dynamic modelling techniques: We will create frameworks capable of simulating low-probability, high-impact events (e.g., natural disasters, cyberattacks) within the transport sector. This will allow policymakers to test emergency response plans and identify potential vulnerabilities.

• Building robust decision support systems: We will design user-friendly interfaces that present complex data in a clear and actionable format for crisis management teams. This will include tools for uncertainty analysis and risk visualization.

• Ensuring interoperability and scalability: Our research will establish protocols for seamless data exchange between digital twins of transport sub-systems (road, rail, air) and integrate them with broader critical national infrastructure networks (energy, communication).

Proof-of-Concept Digital Twin

The programme will deliver a proof-of-concept digital twin specifically tailored to crisis response and resilience within the UK's transport sector. This scalable and adaptable model will be readily applicable to various transportation systems and emergencies.

Collaboration and Impact

We will work closely with key UK policy stakeholders, including relevant government agencies and industry representatives, throughout the research process. This ensures our digital twin solutions are directly relevant and address real-world needs. Regular workshops and co-creation sessions will foster knowledge exchange and facilitate smooth real-world implementation.

Expected Outcomes

The programme's expected outcomes include:

• A comprehensive set of research findings addressing core challenges in digital twinning for crisis resilience.

• A fully functional proof-of-concept digital twin for the UK's transport sector, fostering government preparedness and effective response during crises.

• Enhanced collaboration between researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders in building a more resilient transport infrastructure.

Budget and Timeline

The full economic cost (FEC) of our programme is estimated at £4,375,000. With UKRI funding 80% of the FEC, we are seeking a grant of £3,500,000. The project will be delivered within a five-year timeframe.

Team Expertise

Our research team comprises leading experts in digital twinning technology, crisis management, risk modelling, and transport systems engineering. We possess a proven track record of successful interdisciplinary collaborations and knowledge dissemination.

Conclusion

This research programme offers a unique opportunity to address critical challenges in digital twinning technology and harness its potential for building a more resilient transport sector, enhancing national security, and minimizing the impact of future crises.