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 few canoes float under an old bridge under a blue sky

IIHR Joins Project AWARE

Friday, July 17, 2026
Almost a dozen IIHR staff, students, and friends spent a day canoeing down the Turkey River in northeast Iowa as part of Project AWARE (A Watershed Awareness River Expedition) an annual weeklong, canoe-based river cleanup.
A water quality sensor in white PVC pipes on the edge of an Iowa stream

University of Iowa water sensors will continue this year

Monday, July 13, 2026
The University of Iowa’s network of real-time water monitoring sensors in Iowa rivers received no direct funding from the state in the 2025–26 legislative session, but it is still operating.

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