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 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

Kristin Stein Wins Award

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

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

Corn

Corn's clean-energy promise is clashing with its climate footprint

Thursday, December 4, 2025
Corn dominates U.S. farmland and fuels the ethanol industry. But the fertilizer it relies on drives emissions and fouls drinking water.
Nitrate Levels

Nitrate levels in Iowa water remained high through fall, data show

Wednesday, December 3, 2025
Nitrate concentrations, exacerbated by a wet spring that followed years of dry conditions, reached near record highs in Iowa rivers this summer. Concentrations are typically elevated in the summer. The past several years, nitrates have dropped to near-zero concentrations in late summer through early winter. But this year, concentrations in rivers and in central Iowa’s drinking water have remained high.
Felipe Quintero

Staff Spotlight: Felipe Quintero

Monday, December 1, 2025
Since joining IIHR—Hydroscience and Engineering in 2013, Felipe Quintero quickly became a key contributor advancing research and education in support of the Iowa Flood Center (IFC).

Events

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

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.
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!

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