HELPING - SCIENCE FOR WATER SOLUTIONS DECADE

HELPING - Science For Water Solutions Decade

The 3rd IAHS Scientific Decade 2023-2032

The third IAHS scientific decade is dedicated to water solutions in the Anthropocene. The name HELPING stands for Hydrology Engaging Local People IN one Global world. This decade is a bottom-up process empowered by local hydrologists and scientists using open science and local data/methods when solving local water problems. We envisage that the building of local knowledge and cooperation can inform scientists working under similar situations or facing unexpected events worldwide. (e.g., learning from floods or droughts in one catchment) will inform hydrologists and water management in other catchments. You are invited to contribute to the process and sign up to a working group HERE. Read more in the visionary community paper. HELPING underpins solutions for the water crisis, leaving no catchment or hydrologist behind, in search for scientific evidence to:

  • Accelerate the understanding of the linkages between hydrological processes at local and global scales and their interaction with water resources.
  • Engage with local scientists and societies to learn from local experience, differences in hydrological processes and change around the world, and transfer solutions globally.
  • Synthesising hydrological understanding across the globe and underpin the management of current crises by finding holistic solutions to mitigate future crises.

The new decade was elaborated in a community process during 2023.

Themes and Working Groups

The number, and topics, of HELPING Working Groups evolve over time and vary in size, form and duration. If you find a group that aligns with your research interests, sign up here or reach out to the leader directly. Alternatively, you can email us at [email protected]. Your journey toward scientific collaboration and discovery begins here! Let's unite, innovate, and make a lasting impact together during the HELPING Decade!

The HELPING Working Groups have been crafted through community proposals and are categorised into three themes;

  • Theme 1: HELPING with global and local interactions - Lead by Justin Sheffield, University of Southampton, England.
  • Theme 2: HELPING with holistic solutions for water security - Lead by Ana Mijic of Imperial College, London.
  • Theme 3: HELPING with Cross-Cutting Goals - Lead by Adeyemi Olusola of York University, Canada.

Working Groups are encouraged to refer to the living document on Principles and Guidelines, which was developed in response to community requests. This document also provides insights into best practices for running a Working Group, drawing on the lessons learned from past scientific decades on how to manage them effectively. 

The vision of HELPING is to solve fundamental water-related environmental and societal problems by engaging hydrological scientists with other disciplines and local stakeholders across the globe. We currently have a large number of well-proportioned Working Groups but we are especially looking for new cross-cutting suggestions such as:   

  • Working groups on interdisciplinary research -> expansion of socio-hydrology -> legal, economic tools, behavioural tools
  • Working groups on integration -> a scientific approach to bottom-up integration.

We look forward to receiving your valuable suggestions for new Working Groups.

 

Increase the visibility of your Published Papers

The spirit of HELPING collaboration and innovation is in full swing and we are excited to share that our global community is coming together to make a meaningful impact to understand and handle the water crisis of the Anthropocene. The journey ahead for the HELPING Working Groups promises excitement, growth, and an opportunity to make a meaningful impact. Together, we will redefine what's achievable and set new standards for success. With joint efforts we can make a difference as a community, and we're excited to have you on board.

All papers acknowledging HELPING will be listed above, in Published Papers, for citations and inclusions in review with synthesis of scientific achievements during the HELPING decade. You are invited to complete this Form, or email [email protected], to add a HELPING paper to the list. For example, acknowledgements could be phrased as follows:

  • This work was performed as part of the IAHS HELPING Working Group on “name of WG”,
  • This work was inspired by the IAHS initiative HELPING: “Hydrology Engaging with Local People IN one Global world”,
  • This work contributes to the goals of the IAHS scientific decade of HELPING (2023-2032).  

 

Online HELPING Conference, 26 November 2024

Last year's online HELPING conference was a success and was repeated 26 November 2024 in a new format, addressing some of the suggestions made at the side event at EGU. The final program is here. The Working Groups were gathered to highlight progress and discuss collaboration. 

 

Want To Know More About HELPING

If you're new to the world of HELPING and eager to get involved, don't hesitate to reach out to us. Our team is not only passionate about our mission but also excited to provide you with all the information you need. Don't hesitate to get in touch with us. Just drop us an email at [email protected], and let's embark on this scientific journey together. Your quest for knowledge starts here!

     

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