Dublin City University and the Insight SFI Research Centre for Data Analytics at DCU have announced an exciting new research partnership with global software engineering firm Bentley Systems to build Ireland’s first higher education digital campus. The collaboration will involve the creation of a digital twin, which will be a complete 3D version of DCU’s campuses and a part of the Smart DCU Project.

It will incorporate real-time data, gathered from IoT sensors (Internet of Things) on footfall, congestion points, energy and water usage and other important data that can inform planning and infrastructural development. In addition, the information gathered will also help to inform and enhance the student experience at DCU.

Speaking about the announcement the President of DCU Professor Daire Keogh said: “This collaboration is an excellent example of the transformative potential of the digital research being conducted at DCU, and Insight SFI Research Centre for Data Analytics. As part of the Smart DCU initiative, the digital twin model will help us to advance our vision for creating more sustainable and people-centred campuses. Ultimately, this innovation will improve the DCU student experience and enhance the workplace for university staff.”

Digital twins are an exciting new concept that brings together multidisciplinary teams to enable users to visualise the infrastructure, track changes and make changes to improve performance. The project will leverage the considerable expertise of the Insight Centre at DCU to generate valuable insights that have never been seen before.

Phase one of the partnership will involve the creation of a digital twin of the Glasnevin campus.

Bentley Systems is the infrastructure engineering software company, providing innovative software to advance the world’s infrastructure, sustaining both the global economy and environment. Their industry-leading software solutions are used by professionals and organisations of every size for the design, construction, and operations of roads and bridges, rail and transit, water and wastewater, public works and utilities, buildings and campuses, and industrial facilities.

This new collaboration reflects DCU’s commitment as a member of the European Consortium of Innovative Universities (ECIU), a project working to create a new educational model on a European scale. It brings together learners, teachers and researchers who collaborate and work with cities and businesses on addressing and solving real-world challenges.