IIHR—Hydroscience and Engineering is an internationally renowned laboratory where researchers are solving some of our world’s greatest fluids-related challenges.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Faculty Excellence
Research Impact
Recent News
UI faculty receive grant to expand lead testing in Iowa water
It took a flood: How 2008 reshaped Iowa’s approach to water quality
Geologists and ecologists should join environmental discussions
Events
Earth Day Celebration hosted by Hawkeye Area Council, Scouting America
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!
4th Annual Earth Day Celebration at Fairport Fish Hatchery
Join us for the 4th Annual Earth Day Celebration!
Explore, discover, and win prizes, including events like the Great Hatchery Treasure Hunt! Join us for a family-friendly adventure; follow the trails, explore the grounds, and discover hidden “treasures” inspired by the hatchery’s natural habitats, living waters, and rich history of this unique Mississippi River landmark. Bring your curiosity, enjoy the beauty of the Mississippi River landscape, and see what treasures you uncover!
Baby fish
Live...
6th Annual BioBlitz at the Ashton Prairie Living Laboratory
What types of plants, animals, and fungal life might you find at the Ashton Prairie Living Laboratory? Let's find out!
Join researchers in collecting, observing, and recording biodiversity at the Ashton Prairie Living Laboratory in our 6th Annual BioBlitz. Your findings will inform a major research project and will contribute to the fifth data point in a multi-year documentation of how diversity changes at this site over time. Collections will be housed with the UI Museum of Natural History...