SOCIB supports the FOCCUS and EDITO-Model Lab General Assemblies in Mallorca
The Balearic Islands Coastal Observing and Forecasting System (SOCIB) has supported and participated in the General Assemblies of the FOCCUS and EDITO-Model Lab projects, held consecutively in Mallorca, Spain, from March 17th to 21st, 2025. These assemblies have convened researchers, stakeholders, and users from over 20 European institutions, fostering knowledge exchange and driving progress in ocean observing and forecasting. Through its contributions, SOCIB has reinforced the value of collaborative research for a sustainable ocean.
A powerful synergetic goal unites both projects: to improve ocean understanding, monitoring, and prediction, directly supporting the Copernicus Marine Service and the improvement of the capabilities of the European Digital Twin of the Ocean (DTO). As a Unique Scientific and Technical Infrastructure in the Mediterranean, SOCIB contributes essential expertise, high-resolution observational data, and cutting-edge technology to advance coastal and open-ocean monitoring. Recognising their complementary goals and shared consortium membership, FOCCUS and EDITO-Model Lab have leveraged the opportunity to hold joint assemblies, reinforcing synergies and accelerating progress.
At the opening, Joaquín Tintoré, Director of SOCIB, highlighted FOCCUS’s role in improving the coastal extensions of the Copernicus Marine Service and its relevance for marine environmental management in the Balearic Islands. Sebastià Massanet, General Director of Education and Universities of the Balearic Islands, has emphasised the projects’ alignment with digital ocean solutions and their impact on Mediterranean marine science and conservation.
Advancing coastal and ocean observing, modelling and applications
FOCCUS (Fostering Coastal Ocean Connectivity and Understanding Services) is advancing the coastal dimension of the Copernicus Marine Service by integrating observations and forecasting to improve data accessibility and modelling accuracy. It works with Member States to co-design applications, refine observation systems, and enhance forecasting capabilities. SOCIB plays a key role in FOCCUS, co-leading the coastal observations work package. Its contributions include innovation in data fusion for satellite calibration and validation, artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm development, and improved access to ocean data. SOCIB also supports coastal modelling and applications by implementing new observations to refine the regional model in the Western Mediterranean and enhance the Marine Heatwaves application.
EDITO-Model Lab develops next-generation ocean numerical models for the European Digital Twin of the Ocean, leveraging AI and high-performance computing for scenario-based simulations in marine planning and climate adaptation. It also contributes to the Digital Ocean Knowledge System, supporting policymakers, researchers, and industry professionals. SOCIB plays a key role in the user engagement strategy, ensuring project outcomes effectively reach expert users, decision-makers, and the general public. Additionally, SOCIB contributes to a model validation toolbox, providing a common framework to assess model performance and build confidence in project results.
Collaboration and knowledge exchange
The FOCCUS General Assembly, held from March 17th to 19th, has addressed project progress, technical developments, and stakeholder engagement. It has placed particular emphasis on active stakeholder involvement in areas such as seagrass conservation and emergency response, closely linked to FOCCUS data products and coastal hazard applications.
To maximise impact, a joint session on March 19th has brought together FOCCUS and EDITO-Model Lab participants to explore collaboration opportunities. Discussions have covered how EDITO’s modelling platform could support FOCCUS applications, IT architecture considerations, and strategies to integrate project advancements into policy and industry.
The EDITO-Model Lab General Assembly, which has followed from March 19th to 21st, has featured discussions on AI-based ocean forecasting, numerical modelling, and synergies with projects such as ILIAD and DITTO. A key highlight has been a series of user demonstrations, including tailored sessions for intermediate users (e.g., ocean modellers from CSIC-IMEDEA and IEO-CSIC) and end-users such as coordinators from the Spanish Maritime Safety and Rescue Agency (SASEMAR).
By fostering collaboration, FOCCUS and EDITO-Model Lab have contributed to advancing European coastal and ocean science, reinforcing sustainable marine management, digital ocean governance, and climate resilience. As both projects progress, continued stakeholder engagement will be key to ensuring their impact translates into tangible environmental and societal benefits.
More information about the European Digital Twin Ocean
Discover more about the EDITO-Model Lab and EDITO-Infra by visiting their websites for the latest updates, news, and results. Follow the progress of the EU Digital Twin of the Ocean (DTO) on LinkedIn and X, and subscribe to the LinkedIn Newsletter and mailing list to receive exclusive insights, news, and updates. In 2025, several EDITO and EU DTO events will offer opportunities to explore, test, and contribute to this groundbreaking tool.
