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

Middle Cedar Watershed wetland

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.

Wave Basin

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. 

Keri Hornbuckle Research Lab

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.

Dan Gilles presenting

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 accurate and reliable data.

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

Iowa Geological Survey

Iowa Nutrient Research Center

Iowa INSIGHT

Center for Hydrologic Developement

Recent News

a man in a gold and black Iowa T-shirt examines a water quality sensors in a protective white PVC tube

New project hopes to forecast nitrates levels in Iowa waterways

Wednesday, July 29, 2026
While nitrate levels are stabilizing across central Iowa for now, a new effort at IIHR—Hydroscience and Engineering at the University of Iowa is underway to both detect and forecast nitrate levels along Iowa waterways.
A bearded man makes adjustments to a water quality sensor, sheathed in white PVC pipe, in a green leafy wooded area

Linn County Conservation OKs $100K for UI water sensors

Tuesday, July 28, 2026
The Linn County Board of Conservation has directed $100,000 toward equipment for IIHR’s statewide water quality monitoring program as part of a broader allocation of bond dollars.
Water flows over the low-head dam on the Iowa River near Stanley Hydraulics Lab

The quality of Iowa’s water is spilling into the state’s toss-up governor’s race

Tuesday, July 28, 2026
In Iowa’s competitive governor’s race, farmers are raising longstanding concerns over water quality and agriculture's role in ultimately reducing the state’s cancer rates.

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