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

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

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 Dr. David Cwiertny, a professor at the University of Iowa.
David Cwiertny looks concerned with the Iowa River and dam behind him

Buying water from for-profit kiosks may come with lead, research finds

Thursday, March 5, 2026
University of Iowa researchers found that water purchased from standalone water kiosks in several states contained lead. David Cwiertny, Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering and IIHR research engineer, co-led the project.
an aerial photo of a flooded small town

Iowa House passes bill to create state plan for flood protection

Monday, March 2, 2026
The House passed a bill Wednesday to create and implement a statewide, 30-year resilience plan to protect state life, property and other assets in the event of a flood or other water-related disaster. Rep. John Wills, R-Spirit Lake, said the legislation was a “visionary bill” that “redefines” how the state protects itself from “floods, droughts and shifting water supplies.”

Events

Dance with a Stranger: Art and Engineering Collaborations promotional image

Dance with a Stranger: Art and Engineering Collaborations

Thursday, March 12, 2026 4:00pm to 6:00pm
Art Building West

Dance with a Stranger: Art and Engineering Collaborations
Talks and a panel discussion with researchers who work and teach across art and engineering

Date: Thursday, March 12
Time: 4–6 p.m.
Location: 116 Art Building West
The event will begin promptly at 4 p.m. and will be followed by a reception. People from all disciplines are warmly welcome.

Speakers:
Prof. Liz McTernan (Sculpture & Intermedia)
Prof. Larry Weber (Hydroscience & Engineering)
Prof. Steve McGuire (Jewelry & Metal Arts)
Prof. Terry Conrad...

Celebrate Iowa's Outdoors Day promotional image

Celebrate Iowa's Outdoors Day

Tuesday, March 24, 2026 10:00am to 1:00pm
Iowa State Capitol

Come to the Capitol for interactive displays, speakers and to connect with legislators for Celebrate Iowa's Outdoors Day!

Do you love Iowa’s outdoors?

Iowa’s parks, trails, wildlife, soil and water are all part of our quality of life and cause for celebration! Connect with legislators and meet other Iowans passionate about protecting spaces for outdoor recreation and caring for our natural resources. The day will feature:

A complimentary lunch

Interactive displays

Engaging speakers

The opportunity to...

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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