Day 2 – From Team Feedback to Digital Twins: Building Coastal Resilience Together

The second day of the in-person week of the Sustainable Coastal Growth and Resilience course unfolded on Tuesday 8 April at CEUB in Bertinoro, with participants diving deeper into collaborative work and expert-led learning.

The morning opened with team work sessions followed by a lively plenary check-in. During this session, two of the School directors, Quillon Harpham and Nadia Pinardi, conducted an engaging discussion, offering targeted feedback on each group’s early ideas. Their comments helped spark comparisons between different approaches to coastal resilience—ranging from early warning systems to nature-based restoration and institutional governance. The session became a space for peer-to-peer learning and thoughtful exchange, laying the groundwork for refining the projects over the coming days.

As the students get to know each other better, they are also discovering more about coastal resilience—comparing their local contexts and professional experiences, finding both differences and common ground. In between sessions, many found time to wander around the small town of Bertinoro and enjoy its peaceful atmosphere and beautiful views over the surrounding countryside.

In the afternoon, Salvatore Causio (CMCC) delivered the second expert lecture of the week: “Enhancing Coastal Ocean Modelling: Towards a Coastal Digital Twin of the Ocean”. The session, also accessible online for remote participants, introduced the concept of digital twins in the context of coastal modelling—underlining their potential for resilience planning and forecasting.

The day concluded with another team session focused on integrating feedback and refining ideas. The mix of structured guidance and autonomous work continues to empower participants to co-create practical solutions for sustainable coastal development.