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

Farm pond

Researchers find gully erosion filling up flood-control ponds faster than expected

Tuesday, January 13, 2026
Farm ponds in Iowa, built primarily for flood-control purposes, are designed and constructed for an expected lifespan, based on expected sedimentation rates. New research, led by a team from the Iowa Geological Survey, set out to determine how actual sedimentation rates correlate with the ponds’ original predicted longevity

Recent News

IIHR building

Passing the Torch: IIHR welcomes next generation of water research innovators

Thursday, January 15, 2026
For decades, the University of Iowa’s IIHR—Hydroscience and Engineering (IIHR) has been at the forefront of research in water science and environmental engineering. Visionary scholars, including Witold Krajewski and Jerry Schnoor, have become pillars of the field, shaping global perspectives of hydrology, climate resilience, and sustainable water systems. Now, as they transition into retirement, IIHR is entering a new era, building upon the momentum of fresh energy and bold ideas.
Farm pond

Researchers find gully erosion filling up flood-control ponds faster than expected

Tuesday, January 13, 2026
Farm ponds in Iowa, built primarily for flood-control purposes, are designed and constructed for an expected lifespan, based on expected sedimentation rates. New research, led by a team from the Iowa Geological Survey, set out to determine how actual sedimentation rates correlate with the ponds’ original predicted longevity
Tractor on Farm

Assessing sediment sources, nutrient storage, and long-term sustainability of three permanently filled farm ponds in southern Iowa

Tuesday, January 13, 2026
Small ponds and lakes dominate the distribution of global water bodies and have many ecological benefits. In the Midwest United States, ponds have been constructed to aid the reduction of sediment export from watersheds and for flood control purposes.

Events

Data Centers in Iowa: Perspectives from Community, Government, and Industry promotional image

Data Centers in Iowa: Perspectives from Community, Government, and Industry

Monday, March 9, 2026 12:30pm to 2:00pm
Boyd Law Building
This panel will offer a high-level overview of how community, government, and industry considerations shape data center development in Iowa and the broader Midwest.
Iowa Flood Center & Iowa Geological Survey Legislative Breakfast promotional image

Iowa Flood Center & Iowa Geological Survey Legislative Breakfast

Tuesday, March 10, 2026 7:00am to 9:00am
Iowa State Capitol

Thanks to the leadership and foresight of the Iowa Legislature, Iowans have access to reliable tools and resources through the collaborative efforts of the Iowa Flood Center (IFC) and Iowa Geological Survey (IGS) to enhance decision-making for floods, droughts, and groundwater challenges that impact our state.

IFC and IGS students, staff, and researchers will host their annual legislative breakfast reception on Tuesday, March 10 from 7 to 9 a.m. at the Iowa State Capitol Building in the first...

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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