Digital innovation is transforming society, bringing both huge opportunities and complex new challenges, but how do we understand its true impact on society? How can we guide these changes for the better? Social Digital Twins offer a powerful answer. They let us simulate, explore, and shape the future, ensuring technology works for us, not against us.
Join the Bristol Digital Futures Institute (BDFI) at the University of Bristol and Fujitsu, with partners Mechdyne and Cityscape for a unique, immersive exploration into the future of Social Digital Twin technology.
This highly curated session brings together a select group of leaders, experts, and innovators for deep insight, hands‑on demonstrations, and meaningful dialogue in an exceptional research environment.
Date:
Thursday 26 March 2026
Time:
11:00 - 15:30 (registration from 10:30)
Reality Emulator Live Experience
Immerse yourself in cutting edge, data-driven simulations that model complex systems, processes and scenarios, powered by advanced visualisation and computational technologies.
BDFI Facility Tour
Explore one of the UK’s most advanced digital futures research environments, including immersive labs, experimental studios, high‑performance visualisation spaces, and creative technology facilities within The Sheds.
Digital Twin Panel Discussion (hosted by David Wagg from DT Net+)
Engage with leaders from across the Digital Twin research community in a lively, thought‑provoking discussion on the role of Digital Twins in shaping societal futures. We have three recognised Digital Twin thought leaders already confirmed to lead the debate: Professor Daniel Neyland, Profssor David Wagg, and Dr. Jason Shepherd.
Speaker bios available below
Partner Showcase, Networking & Collaboration - Explore Opportunities to Shape the Future Together
Meet experts from Fujitsu, Mechdyne, Cityscape and BDFI. A great opportunity for you to ask questions, as well as collaborate with other industry and academia attendees to build your network and understand more about the future of digital twin technology
10:30
Registration & Tea/Coffee
11:00
Welcome & Introduction from BDFI, Fujitsu & Partners
11:20
Overview of BDFI, the Reality Emulator & The Future of Digital Twinning
12:20
Facility & Reality Emulator Tours / Showcase & Networking followed by lunch
14:00
Panel Discussion & Q&A with DT Net+
15:00
Collaboration & Engagement Discussion
15:30
Closing Remarks & Event Close
Expert Perspective
Hear from experts from both academia and industry on Societal Digital Twin.
Immersive Experience
Immerse yourself in the Reality Emulator and scenarios
Valuable connections
Network with academic and research peers as well as industry leaders.
Professor Daniel Neyland is Professor of Digital Futures at the University of Bristol and Academic Co‑Director of the Bristol Digital Futures Institute. His research focuses on science and technology studies, digital futures, ethnography, ethnomethodology, governance, and accountability, drawing on over 25 years of sociotechnical research experience. His work has examined how technologies shape public life, responsibility, and organisational decision‑making across domains including algorithms, security and surveillance, traffic management, airports, biometrics, waste, and digital accountability.
Professor David Wagg is an international authority in engineering dynamics, hybrid modelling, and Digital Twin simulation. As Chair of DT Net+, he leads the UK’s premier academic network for Digital Twin research, shaping standards, capability building, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Dr. Jason Shepherd is a Fujitsu Distinguished Engineer, and a Technology Strategy Adviser specialising in digital twinning for social and policy outcomes. He is a member of TechUK's Digital Twinning Council, and a contributing author on the principles and philosophies of digital twinning.
