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

Two people paddle a canoe through water that sparkles in the sunlight

EPA stalls long-planned nitrate cancer review as pollution crisis grows

Wednesday, August 5, 2026
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has backed off its re-assessment of cancer-causing nitrates despite decades of research suggesting the contaminant is more harmful than previously thought and that nitrate pollution is at crisis levels in US drinking water.
Jesus Gomez Velez

NASA funding University of Iowa AI model project to forecast nitrate levels

Wednesday, August 5, 2026
Amidst three years of record-setting levels of nitrates in Iowa’s water, the University of Iowa and several cities throughout the state are working on a new artificial intelligence model to predict nitrate levels. This NASA-funded project began in June and will develop the model for public use over a three-year period. The university and municipal partners, including Cedar Rapids, Des Moines and Iowa City, are currently training the AI with years of water records and satellite data.
David Cwiertny headshot

KCCI Investigates: What to know about Iowa's water systems and EPA standards

Monday, August 3, 2026
The 2025 public water system compliance report came out in early July. The state natural resources department and a leading water expert point out the bigger picture on Iowa's public water systems.

Events

Experiential Education: Educator Summit promotional image

Experiential Education: Educator Summit

Wednesday, August 12, 2026 8:30am to 4:00pm
Kent Park Conservation Education Center

Back for a second year, this full-day workshop aimed at formal and informal educators features six interactive, interdisciplinary, inspiring, and fun workshop sessions. The event will also feature networking opportunities and the chance to learn from peers. Whether you are a classroom teacher, a museum educator, or an aspiring educator, there is something here for you. Each session will include hands-on learning activities and several will include outdoor learning elements, hiking, and even some...

Be Ready QC: Emergency Resource Fair promotional image

Be Ready QC: Emergency Resource Fair

Sunday, August 30, 2026 11:30am to 3:30pm
Waterfront Convention Center

Join us for the Be Ready QC: Emergency Resource Fair!

The Emergency Resource Fair is a free, family-friendly event focused on emergency and disaster preparedness and safety. Attendees can expect kids activities, hands-only CPR training, a virtual reality simulator, information of preparedness resources, giveaways, and more!

We hope to see you there!

Engineering Welcome Fair promotional image

Engineering Welcome Fair

Tuesday, September 1, 2026 4:00pm to 6:00pm
Seamans Center

Engineering students are invited to join us for the annual Engineering Student Welcome Fair on Tuesday, September 1, from 4:00–6:00 PM on S. Capitol Street outside the Seamans Center (with a backup rain location of the Seamans Center Lobby).

This is your chance to:

Learn about student organizations within the College of Engineering

Connect with campus resources that support your success

Network with select employers

Meet fellow engineering students and get involved

Enjoy free snacks and giveaways!

Whet...

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