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

About IIHR
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 (updated in 2026), 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

Job opportunities at IIHR

Featured News

Iowa river through campus

New UI Study Finds Pesticides in Iowa’s Water, Air, and Homes

Wednesday, November 11, 2026
A new study led by researchers at the University of Iowa (UI) is providing new insight into how pesticides move through Iowa’s environment. The research found that many commonly used agricultural chemicals are present not only in rivers and streams, but also in urban areas and inside homes.
A colorful map of Iowa showing precipitation and flood warnings from the Iowa Flood Information System

Iowa Flood Center Launches Updated Iowa Flood Information System (IFIS) Platform

Thursday, October 1, 2026
The Iowa Flood Center (IFC) has launched an updated version of its flagship product, the Iowa Flood Information System (IFIS). The enhanced platform features improved visuals and a more intuitive design, advancing IFC’s mission to provide critical flood risk information to all Iowans.

Read IIHR Insider News

Discover stories from across IIHR. Learn about our research, outreach, and the people behind our work through stories shared by those who know it best.

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Recent News

Iowa river through campus

New UI Study Finds Pesticides in Iowa’s Water, Air, and Homes

Wednesday, November 11, 2026
A new study led by researchers at the University of Iowa (UI) is providing new insight into how pesticides move through Iowa’s environment. The research found that many commonly used agricultural chemicals are present not only in rivers and streams, but also in urban areas and inside homes.
A man kneels at the side of a large pool full of blue water as he launches a model ship

No Coast, No Problem

Monday, November 2, 2026
Business Iowa
Ossama Abdelkhalik, the founder and CEO of Peak Engineering LLC in Ames, Iowa, is developing and testing technology to generate power from waves with research and development support from the IIHR Wave Basin at the University of Iowa.
A smiling young man stands next to a sign for Iowa and IIHR--Hydroscience and Engineering

Hawkeye Roots Go Deep for IIHR Alum

Friday, October 30, 2026
IIHR alum Alexander Michalek still proudly wears his University of Iowa black and gold. Michalek has been an Iowa fan since before he can remember, and Iowa was a perfect fit academically, too.
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Events

IFSMA 14th Annual Fall Conference promotional image

IFSMA 14th Annual Fall Conference

Thursday, November 12, 2026 8:00am to 5:00pm
Otter Creek Golf Course
It's time for the 14th Annual IFSMA Fall Conference! This year's conference will take place in Ankeny and will provide valuable opportunities to exchange information and share experiences among floodplain and stormwater management professionals.
Iowa Nature Summit promotional image

Iowa Nature Summit

Wednesday, November 18, 2026 8:00am to 6:45pm
Olmsted Center
Join Iowa's leading conservationists, scientists, farmers, policymakers, educators, and nature advocates for two days of meaningful conversations about the future of Iowa's natural resources.
Iowa Nature Summit promotional image

Iowa Nature Summit

Thursday, November 19, 2026 7:15am to 6:00pm
Olmsted Center
Join Iowa's leading conservationists, scientists, farmers, policymakers, educators, and nature advocates for two days of meaningful conversations about the future of Iowa's natural resources.
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