A UNESCO Chair in Digital Twins for World Heritage Conservation has been established by Carleton University and Universidad del Azuay with the aim of advance research on digital twins to support the conservation of UNESCO-listed cultural heritage sites, aligning with climate action and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
A digital twin is a dynamic virtual copy of a physical asset, process, system, or environment that looks identical to its real-world counterpart. They integrate real-time data to predict performance, identify potential issues, and enhance management through advanced visualization interfaces. By enabling interactive collaboration across disciplines, digital twins facilitate the design, monitoring, and operation of complex heritage systems. Their predictive capabilities support informed decision-making through simulation, analysis, and immersive 3D visualization, aiding in heritage conservation efforts.

General Objective: To mobilize research to support the design and implementation of digital twins for World Heritage conservation in the context of climate change and the need to monitor indicators associated with SDGs. (Specific objectives: please see website)

Project beneficiaries: The UNESCO Chair will benefit diverse stakeholders including local, national, regional, and global actors.
The academic institutions involved in this Chair will benefit from increased collaboration, research opportunities, and the exchange of knowledge and expertise. Faculty, researchers, and students will engage in projects that enhance the quality and relevance of education and contribute to the UNESCO World Heritage Convention. The knowledge generated from the UNESCO Chair will inform the development of evidence-based policies related to the adoption of digital twins in education, culture, and socio-economic development, thereby benefiting relevant stakeholders.