Re-imagining IIHR for the next hundred years 

Last year, IIHR endured a storm that left one of our buildings in ruins and a major research project with serious setbacks. 

Iowans know the feeling that comes after a severe storm. The winds have calmed, the clouds have left, and the sky often seems to be the most intense blue. There’s a sense of peace and relief, and of hope, even if there is plenty of clean-up work to do.  

Although the institute has recovered from the tornado of March 23, 2023, with vital support from our campus and community partners, widespread flooding in June 2024 once again plagued much of the state, with some areas of northwest Iowa receiving more than half a year’s worth of rain in just the last week of June. As we’ve provided technical assistance to flood-impacted communities during this difficult time, it’s not clear skies and rainbows for them just yet, however. It is clear we have more work to do to help our state be more resilient to floods and droughts. 

Following our centennial celebration we’re in the midst of reimagining IIHR’s next 100 years. We are fortunate to have an enthusiastic and committed partner in this process — the new dean of the College of Engineering, Ann F. McKenna. I am delighted by the support and interest she’s shown in helping to understand and grow our programs. Together, we are working to make the college and IIHR a better place. 

As we plan for the future, one of the most exciting initiatives is the design of a new Advanced Hydraulics Research Facility that will provide critical infrastructure to expand our research programs, encourage innovation, and strengthen collaborations with state, federal, industry, and international partners. The new building will be conveniently located with other IIHR facilities at the Iowa Research Park to serve the growing needs of high-achieving programs including the Iowa Flood Center, Iowa Geological Survey, and Iowa Nutrient Research Center. We have started on this project in earnest and continue to work hard on securing funding to complete the project.  

Another important milestone for our program is the retirement of Witold Krajewski (known to us all as Witek) from his position as Iowa Flood Center director. We’ve been fortunate to have his wisdom and leadership guide the flood center’s success throughout its first 15 years, and we congratulate him on a impressive career that has made so many Iowans safer from the devastation of flooding. I’ve been proud to have worked with him and happy to call him my friend.  

In closing, let me say how much joy it gives me to work for the future of IIHR. My goal as director is to put the institute in the best place that it can be for faculty, staff, and students as we move into our second century of research. I look forward to working with each of you as together, we reimagine and revitalize IIHR for the next hundred years. 

Larry Weber 

Director, IIHR—Hydroscience and Engineering