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 men stand in a forest

High Nitrate Levels In Iowa’s Waterways Have Experts Sounding The Alarm, Linking It To High Cancer Rates

Monday, August 17, 2026
Nutrients in Iowa’s waterways and their likely impact on state’s high cancer rates were a topic of discussion at a seminar this past weekend during the Boji Cleanwater Jam in the Iowa Great Lakes.
Closeup of two hands, one holding a plastic bottle containing a water sample, and the other writing on it with a black Sharpie

Experts Sound Alarm Over High Nitrate Levels in Iowa Waterways

Monday, August 17, 2026
A seminar at the Boji Cleanwater Jam focused on nitrate in Iowa’s waterways and its potential impact on cancer rates. Larry Weber, director of IIHR at the University of Iowa, gave an update on IIHR’s network of about 80 nitrate monitoring sensors deployed around the state and the rising nitrate levels recorded.
Screenshot from KTIV showing water flowing over a dam

Boji Clean Water Jam Brings Water Quality Discussions to Northwest Iowa

Monday, August 17, 2026
The Boji Clean Water Jam brought together community members, environmental experts, and musicians for a weekend focused on water quality issues affecting Iowa. IIHR Director Larry Weber addressed expanding environmental monitoring and forecasting systems.

Events

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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