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

Center for Hydrologic Development

Student Success

Vanessa Robledo

Vanessa Robledo Receives Iowa Flood Center Scholarship

Tuesday, January 13, 2026
Vanessa Robledo, a civil and environmental engineering PhD candidate, has received the first-ever Iowa Flood Center Scholarship—a well-deserved recognition of her exceptional contributions to advancing flash flood forecasting capabilities, working with Professor Humberto Vergara.

Research Impact

Fred Stern smiles with the IIHR Wave Basin in the background

Stern Wins Regents Award for Faculty Excellence

Thursday, February 19, 2026
IIHR‘s Fred Stern is among the winners of the Regents Award for Faculty Excellence. Stern is the George D. Ashton Professor of Hydroscience and Engineering and professor of mechanical engineering in the College of Engineering. He is one of six University of Iowa faculty members honored for their extraordinary contributions and sustained record of excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service.

Recent News

Beautiful view of an Iowa river with a bridge and trees along the banks

Iowa environmental, ag advocates work to keep water monitoring flowing

Friday, March 27, 2026
Ag and environmental advocates say water quality monitoring is essential for Iowans’ health. Run by IIHR, the Iowa Water Quality Information System, or IWQIS, provides real-time data on Iowa’s waterways every 15 minutes.
A woman in a white lab coat stands by lab equipment

PCBs explained: The toxic chemicals at the center of NC State’s Poe Hall controversy

Thursday, March 26, 2026
Polychlorinated Biphenyls, or PCBs, are found in the infrastructure of Poe Hall at North Carolina State. Keri Hornbuckle, distinguished chair and professor of occupational and environmental health at the University of Iowa, said interacting with this chemical can have many long-term effects on the human body.
David Cwiertny

What’s in tile runoff? University of Iowa professor explains

Monday, March 9, 2026
On Friday, March 6, the Hills Community Center hosted a meeting on tile runoff monitoring led by David Cwiertny, a professor at the University of Iowa.

Events

West Liberty Science Night promotional image

West Liberty Science Night

Thursday, April 2, 2026 5:30pm to 7:30pm
West Liberty Elementary School

K-4 children and parents are invited to the West Liberty Science Night on Thursday, April 2nd!

Join us for a fun-filled night of interactive science demonstrations and activities provided by various organizations, including IIHR—Hydroscience & Engineering and the Iowa Flood Center.

We hope to see you there!

Sustainability Alumni Career Panel Discussion promotional image

Sustainability Alumni Career Panel Discussion

Friday, April 10, 2026 3:00pm to 4:00pm
Becker Communication Studies Building

The Office of Sustainability and the Environment is excited to announce an Alumni Panel event on Friday, April 10th at 3:00 pm in 101 BSCB! The panel will feature alumni from environmental-related programs speaking about their career and educational experiences.

Panelists Include:

Ian Dunbar, Director of Place Management for the Iowa City Downtown District, Studied Environmental Policy and Planning

Mae McDonough, Program Coordinator for the Tippie Social Impact Community, Studied Environmental...

Earth Day Celebration hosted by Hawkeye Area Council, Scouting America promotional image

Earth Day Celebration hosted by Hawkeye Area Council, Scouting America

Saturday, April 18, 2026 1:00pm to 4:00pm
Camp Wakonda, Howard H. Cherry Scout Reservation

You're invited to the 4th annual Earth Day celebration on Saturday, April 18!

Join us on Earth Day for an afternoon of interactive and educational fun! Various organizations will host booths to spread environmental awareness, including the Iowa Flood Center and their watershed model. This free event, hosted at the Howard H. Cherry Scout Reservation, is open to the public and anyone in the Scouting community.

We look forward to seeing you there!

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