IIHR—Hydroscience and Engineering

IIHR—Hydroscience and Engineering is an internationally renowned laboratory where researchers are solving some of our world's greatest fluids-related challenges.

Rivers, Watersheds, and the Landscape

IIHR researchers are addressing issues related to sustainability in the water, energy and food nexus; improving our understanding and adaptation to climate change; increasing community resilience to natural hazards; and helping equip society with the tools to make informed decisions.

Fluid Mechanics and Structures

Fluid mechanics, the study of fluid behavior at rest and in motion, is at the core of nearly all IIHR research. IIHR uses the basic governing equations of fluid mechanics to investigate a wide range of applications—river flow, atmospheric conditions, renewable energy (e.g., wind and water turbines), ship hydrodynamics, biological systems, and much more.

Health and the Environment

Much of IIHR’s research touches all our lives, affecting human health and well-being in meaningful ways. Studies of biofluids, environmental contaminants, vulnerability, and resilience are relevant to each of us. In addition, projects on renewable energy and watersheds help remediate society’s negative environmental impacts, leading to a higher quality more sustainable life.

Information Systems

Beginning with the innovative Iowa Flood Information System (IFIS) in 2011, IIHR has made online public access to research data the standard for its major research initiatives. IIHR has developed online data access systems for water-quality information, flood mitigation projects, well-driller information, and more. These platforms provide emergency managers, decision-makers, and the public with reliable data.

Home to the world's leading experts in hydraulics modeling

Global Impact

Serving Iowans

From flood to drought, surface water to groundwater, IIHR is helping Iowans understand and manage water resource challenges to ensure a livable and sustainable future.

Iowa Flood Center

The Iowa Flood Center is helping build a more flood-resilient Iowa with science-based information and research.

Iowa Flood Center

Iowa Geological Survey

Dating back to 1855, the Iowa The Iowa Geological Survey provides important geologic information on the state’s resources, environmental protection, and economic development.

Iowa Geological Survey

Iowa Nutrient Research Center

As a key partner in the Iowa Nutrient Research Center, IIHR has developed, deployed, and maintains the largest water-quality sensor network in the country.

Iowa Nutrient Research Center

Center for Hydrologic Development

The Center for Hydrologic Development leverages IIHR's expertise in hydrology, river hydraulics, water resources, and communication and outreach to help build a more water and weather-ready nation.

Center for Hydrologic Development

Job opportunities at IIHR

Recent News

Bacteria attached to charcoal could help keep an infamous 'forever chemical' out of waterways

Monday, September 29, 2025

The Conversation

Iowa is at risk of losing most of its water quality sensors. Here's why that matters.

Thursday, September 18, 2025

The Gazette

Time has run out on a short-term plan to continue funding a network of sensors that monitors the water quality in Iowa's rivers and streams. Unless new funding can be secured, dozens of sensors will be taken offline next year, eliminating the ability to measure nitrate and phosphorus to see if conservation practices are working.

Chukwudum poses and smiles next to the experimental flume

From the Skies to the Water: A Deep Dive on Fluid Dynamics

Monday, September 15, 2025

Chukwudum Eluchie dove head first into hydrology after spending many years of his education in aeronautics and astronautics. Eluchie joined IIHR—Hydroscience and Engineering (IIHR) in January 2024 as a post-doctoral researcher supporting two different labs — the Wang Research Group helping to understand turbulent wake flows behind naval ships to improve safety and energy efficiency, and the Williams Erosion and Sediment Transport Laboratory (WEST) researching scour and erosion on bridge piers to enhance infrastructure resilience.

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Events

Discover Your University: Iowa Geological Survey Tour

Thursday, October 9, 2025 10:30am to 12:00pm

Iowa Geological Survey - Oakdale

The Iowa Geological Survey joined IIHR—Hydroscience and Engineering and the University of Iowa in 2014. The IGS has more than 130 years of experience in helping to understand and effectively manage Iowa's natural resources for long-term sustainability and economic development and has advanced IIHR research initiatives to include surface to subsurface and flood and drought interactions and impacts on Iowans.Participants will tour the IGS's impressive rock library, containing over 1.6 million...

Waters of the United States: POTUS, SCOTUS, WOTUS, and the Politics of a National Resource with Royal C. Gardner

Friday, October 10, 2025 12:45pm to 2:00pm

Boyd Law Building

Waters of the United States is an unprecedented exploration of the history of the 'waters of the United States'—and its importance for today’s efforts to conserve a critical natural resource.

Cedar Valley Family STEM Festival

Thursday, October 16, 2025 4:00pm to 7:00pm

Wartburg College

Get ready to dive into the thrilling world of STEM with us at our upcoming festival, where the wonders of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) come alive for students and families across Iowa! This vibrant celebration is not just about fun; it's about igniting a passion for learning and discovery in our youth. Explore hands-on activities that spark curiosity, while raising awareness of the importance of STEM-related educational and career opportunities for families. So, come...

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