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.
Staff Excellence
Research Impact
Recent News
LeFevre wins Iowa Mid-Career Faculty Scholar Award
UI honors 2026 Discovery and Innovation awardees advancing high-impact research across the state, into space
Opinion: If Iowa water sensors go dark, what we don’t know can hurt us
Events
Sustainability Alumni Career Panel Discussion
The Office of Sustainability and the Environment is excited to announce an Alumni Panel event on Friday, April 10th at 3:00 pm in 101 BSCB! The panel will feature alumni from environmental-related programs speaking about their career and educational experiences.
Panelists Include:
Ian Dunbar, Director of Place Management for the Iowa City Downtown District, Studied Environmental Policy and Planning
Mae McDonough, Program Coordinator for the Tippie Social Impact Community, Studied Environmental...
STEM Skate Off
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!