Advanced Platforms for Research Infrastructures: Lessons from interTwin and perspectives from RI-SCALE

Research Infrastructures (RIs) are at the core of data-intensive and computation-driven science, yet they face growing challenges in managing complexity, scalability, interoperability, and the effective integration of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Twin technologies. This contribution presents two complementary examples of EU projects both led by EGI Foundation, that address these challenges from the perspective of RI needs: interTwin, which has delivered a prototype of a Digital Twin Engine (DTE) for science, and RI-SCALE, which is developing the next generation of scalable data exploitation capabilities for RIs.

As a first example, the recently completed interTwin project demonstrated how RIs can collaborate to co-design a common blueprint architecture and an open-source Digital Twin Engine supporting the integration of models, simulations, data streams, and AI components. The project worked closely with scientific communities and infrastructures to co-design interoperable components for orchestration, provenance, quality assessment, and federated access to compute and data resources. Through multiple scientific use cases, interTwin showed how RIs can improve reproducibility, automation, and cross-domain reuse of methods and services.

As a second, forward-looking example, the recently launched RI-SCALE project focuses on empowering Research Infrastructures with scalable, AI-driven Data Exploitation Platforms (DEPs). RI-SCALE aims to support RIs in transforming vast and heterogeneous data holdings into actionable scientific knowledge by combining advanced AI frameworks, federated computing, and trusted data lifecycle management. The project places strong emphasis on co-design with RI operators and user communities, ensuring that DEPs respond to concrete operational and scientific requirements. Planned developments include mechanism for data transfer and caching, AI model hub integration, data spaces integration, and the establishment of a competence center to support adoption, training, and long-term sustainability within the RIs. 

The experiences and plans discussed in this contribution highlight key success factors for RIs digital transformation.