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

Kristin Stein Wins Award

Kristin Stein named 2025 Student of the Year by the American Water Works Association

Monday, October 27, 2025
Kristin Stein, an undergraduate student in civil and environmental engineering, has been named the 2025 Student of the Year by the American Water Works Association!

Research Impact

Iowa researchers' octopus-like design improves underwater vehicle maneuverability

Iowa researchers' octopus-like design improves underwater vehicle maneuverability

Monday, October 20, 2025
University of Iowa researchers have reported a key advance in the ease of flow and maneuverability for underwater vehicles. In a new study, the research team outfitted the wings of an underwater hydrofoil with a series of coiled spires that, when activated, would unspool, reducing drag and creating more lift for the craft as water current was moved around it.

Recent News

River

Linn County considers request to help fund Iowa water sensor program.

Wednesday, October 29, 2025
CEDAR RAPIDS — In a meeting with Linn County officials Monday, Larry Weber — who oversees a program that deploys dozens of sensors in rivers and streams across Iowa — said the quality of the state’s water is not improving, and that monitoring of the water must continue.
3 award recipients stand in a line and smile, holding their 10-year awards

College honors staff, faculty with excellence, longevity awards

Tuesday, October 28, 2025
The annual awards from the College of Engineering and the University of Iowa recognize excellence in faculty and staff members, as well as longevity awards recognizing years of service to the College of Engineering. A ceremony was held on October 22, 2025, to recognize the recipients.
Kristin Stein Wins Award

Kristin Stein named 2025 Student of the Year by the American Water Works Association

Monday, October 27, 2025
Kristin Stein, an undergraduate student in civil and environmental engineering, has been named the 2025 Student of the Year by the American Water Works Association!

Events

Our Water, Our Future: A Look at the Central Iowa Water Quality Report

Wednesday, October 29, 2025 6:00pm to 7:30pm
Big Grove Brewery Iowa City
Join for a public presentation of findings from the Central Iowa Source Water Resource Assessment (CISWRA) report.

From the Driftless to the Delta: Rethinking Water Protections in the Mississippi River Watershed

Thursday, October 30, 2025 12:30pm to 2:00pm
Boyd Law Building

Join us for a timely panel discussion exploring how states, communities, and advocates are responding to the regulatory and environmental uncertainties left in the wake of the Sackett v. EPA decision. With a focus on wetlands and water protections across the Mississippi River watershed—from the bluffs of the Driftless Region to the bayous of the Delta—this conversation brings together regional experts to highlight innovative legal, policy, and collaborative approaches for safeguarding critical...

ICYF STEAM Night

Saturday, November 8, 2025 4:00pm to 7:00pm
Indianola Community Youth Foundation

Roll up your sleeves—it's time to experiment, explore, and engineer at the Indianola Community Youth Foundation's STEAM Night!

This free community event is open to families of all ages, with hands-on learning stations, interactive activities, and exciting demonstrations. Organizations will be providing an interactive booth or demonstration that inspires excitement around science, technology, engineering, art, or math. This is a great opportunity to spark curiosity in STEAM fields!

The event will...

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