IIHR—Hydroscience and Engineering is an internationally renowned laboratory where researchers are solving some of our world's greatest fluids-related challenges. 

About IIHR
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

Job opportunities at IIHR

Recent News

A touring group looks at the Bee Branch model in IIHR's facilities, discussing

University of Iowa engineers create model to test Dubuque pumping station

Tuesday, September 2, 2025
Telegraph Herald
With more than half of Dubuque’s population working or living in the Bee Branch Watershed — covering 6.5 miles and encompassing six schools, four parks and affordable housing — the city’s $28 million Bee Branch Stormwater Pumping Station Project is just as much money saved as it is money spent.
The Bee Branch pump station model illuminated, with four large pumps and a tank of water behind it

UI hydroscience engineers demonstrate model for $26 million flood mitigation project

Tuesday, August 26, 2025
The Daily Iowan
The University of Iowa’s Department of Hydroscience and Engineering, or IIHR, and officials from the city of Dubuque gathered Monday to demonstrate a project years in the making — and with years left to completion. The project: a $26 million flood mitigation system designed by UI hydroscience engineers in collaboration with a Dubuque design consulting firm, Origin Design. The $26 million asking price will fall on the city of Dubuque.
Three men stand facing away from the camera, looking at the Bee Branch pump station model

University of Iowa engineers model Dubuque pumping station to ‘make sure that it’s going to work’

Tuesday, August 26, 2025
The Gazette
With more than half of Dubuque’s population working or living in the Bee Branch Watershed — covering 6.5 miles and encompassing six schools, four parks, and affordable housing — the city’s $28 million Bee Branch Stormwater Pumping Station Project is just as much money saved as it is money spent.
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Events

2025 Iowa Water Conference promotional image

2025 Iowa Water Conference

Tuesday, September 9 to Wednesday, September 10, 2025 (all day)
FFA Enrichment Center
Join us for the 19th annual Iowa Water Conference! The overarching conference theme is “Life Depends on Water. Water Depends on You.” As the Iowa Water Center celebrates its 60-year anniversary, we contemplate the progress made, as well as the goals that have been so far, out of reach. As water professionals and community members, we all play a part in protecting our waters. Creating a resilient water cycle is critical and relies on a systems approach, recognizing the connection between water...
2025 Iowa Water Conference promotional image

2025 Iowa Water Conference

Wednesday, September 10, 2025 (all day)
FFA Enrichment Center
Join us for the 19th annual Iowa Water Conference! The overarching conference theme is “Life Depends on Water. Water Depends on You.” As the Iowa Water Center celebrates its 60-year anniversary, we contemplate the progress made, as well as the goals that have been so far, out of reach. As water professionals and community members, we all play a part in protecting our waters. Creating a resilient water cycle is critical and relies on a systems approach, recognizing the connection between water...
Women and Water promotional image

Women and Water

Sunday, September 14, 2025 1:00pm to 4:00pm
The National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium (Train Depot)
Hosted by the Delaware and Dubuque Chapter of Women, Land & Legacy, this free public event celebrates the vital role women play in water conservation, education, and leadership — especially here in the Maquoketa Watershed and Eastern Iowa.Highlights include:Dr. Brandi Janssen (University of Iowa), presenting “Upstream Thinking” Sharing proactive strategies for improving water quality and impacts to environmental health.Judith E. Joyce (Eocene Environmental Group), sharing “Field of Dreams...
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