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

Student Success

Kristin Stein named 2025 Student of the Year by the American Water Works Association

Monday, October 27, 2025

Kristin Stein, an undergraduate student in civil and environmental engineering, has been named the 2025 Student of the Year by the American Water Works Association!

Research Impact

Iowa researchers' octopus-like design improves underwater vehicle maneuverability

Monday, October 20, 2025

University of Iowa researchers have reported a key advance in the ease of flow and maneuverability for underwater vehicles. In a new study, the research team outfitted the wings of an underwater hydrofoil with a series of coiled spires that, when activated, would unspool, reducing drag and creating more lift for the craft as water current was moved around it.

Recent News

'Water Quality is Degrading, There Is No Question About That:' University of Iowa Researcher Warns

Thursday, November 13, 2025

Decorah News

The Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors on Monday heard from Larry Weber, director of civil and environmental engineering at the University of Iowa regarding the future of Iowa’s statewide water quality monitoring network, which faces uncertainty following state funding cuts.

University of Iowa geophysicist uses new tech to survey Iowa levees

Wednesday, November 12, 2025

The Daily Nonpareil

Jason Vogelgesang, a geophysicist with the Iowa Geological Survey, talks on Oct. 29, 2025, about a statewide scanning process the University of Iowa group is doing for the state legislature and levee districts. By using electricity pulses, IGS can detect anomalies — possibly leaky spots — in Iowa's levees. The novel way IGS has rigged their equipment drastically improves efficiency.

IIHR program manager Kate Giannini receives Fulbright award for a research exchange in the Netherlands

Monday, November 10, 2025

Kate Giannini, program manager at IIHR—Hydroscience and Engineering, has been awarded a Fulbright and will be hosted by Deltares located in Delft, Netherlands for a six-week exchange beginning at the end of December 2025.

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Events

Devastation of a coastal aquifer from the most powerful storm ever: a story of resilience and recovery

Friday, December 12, 2025 1:30pm to 2:30pm

Stanley Hydraulics Laboratory

The northwest Pacific Ocean is a hot spot for sea level rise and increasing frequency of stronger storms. It is where Supertyphoon Haiyan formed, the strongest storm on record to hit land, which provided a window into the hydrologic impacts of an extreme storm.

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