Zhengzhou, March 2026 – UNESCO has officially approved the establishment of the UNESCO Chair on Stepwise Ecological Restoration of Watersheds at the North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power (NCWU). The agreement was signed in February 2026 by UNESCO Director-General Mr. Khaled El-Enany and NCWU President Professor Junguo Liu (IAHS HELPING Working Group2.5 Co-Leader), who has been appointed as the Chair Holder. This marks the first UNESCO Chair ever established based on the concept of Stepwise Ecological Restoration.

The UNESCO Chairs Programme, established in 1992, mobilizes the expertise of higher education and research institutions to address the interdependent challenges of today's increasingly complex world. It advances an integrated system of research, training, and activities in diverse fields by building university networks and encouraging inter-university cooperation through the transfer of knowledge and expertise across borders. The newly established Chair will focus on conducting research on watershed hydrological evolution and ecological degradation mechanisms, developing innovative restoration technologies, and promoting knowledge sharing and capacity building, particularly in UNESCO priority regions. The initiative supports multiple UNESCO programs, including the Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP), the Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme, and the International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme.

The concept of stepwise ecological restoration was developed by Professor Junguo Liu, the appointed Chair Holder. Unlike traditional approaches that often attempt large-scale, one-time interventions, stepwise ecological restoration emphasizes adaptive, phased interventions based on the degradation intensity and recovery potential of ecosystems. It recognizes that ecosystems have different degradation stages and require tailored restoration pathways, allowing natural recovery processes to take place while human interventions are strategically applied to guide and accelerate restoration. This approach has proven particularly effective in water-stressed regions and degraded river systems, offering a cost-effective and sustainable pathway for ecological recovery.

The IAHS has played a crucial role in promoting this concept globally. In 2023, IAHS established a dedicated scientific working group on Stepwise Ecological Restoration of Watersheds under the decadal programme HELPING, which shares the same thematic focus as the newly created UNESCO Chair. This working group brings together leading hydrologists, ecologists, and restoration practitioners from around the world to advance research and develop practical guidelines for stepwise restoration implementation. The strong synergy between the IAHS working group and the UNESCO Chair creates a unique opportunity to accelerate the translation of cutting-edge research into practical solutions for watershed restoration worldwide.

The Chair warmly invites scientists, practitioners, and policymakers from all countries to collaborate in this global endeavour. By working together across disciplines and borders, the international community can develop more effective strategies to restore degraded watersheds, enhance water security, and build resilience against climate change. The UNESCO Chair, in close partnership with the IAHS HELPING Working Group, will serve as a global platform for knowledge exchange, capacity building, and joint innovation, contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and supporting ecosystem restoration efforts worldwide.

The Chair will also support watershed conservation and provide a platform for international cooperation in water governance, further strengthening the bridge between scientific innovation and practical application in watershed restoration.

IAHS is pleased to announce the recipients of the International Hydrology Prize (Dooge medal and Volker medal) for 2026. 

The International Hydrology Prize is awarded annually by IAHS, with UNESCO and WMO, to two people who have made an outstanding contribution to hydrological sciences.

This year's prize selection was especially competitive, with 15 nominations received, making this one of the most distinguished pools of candidates we have ever seen. The 2026 recipients emerged at the top of this highly accomplished group of excellency. Their contributions to hydrology have not only advanced scientific understanding but have also had a significant global impact.

Nominations for the annual Prize are made by National Committees to IAHS, National Committees to the UNESCO-IHP or National Hydrological Advisors to the WMO, and forwarded to the Secretary General of IAHS for consideration by the Nomination Committee. The Committee consists of the President and a Vice-President of IAHS and representatives of UNESCO and WMO.

The award ceremony is scheduled to take place during the IUGG General Assembly 2027 in Incheon, South Korea (16-22 July). 

We extend our warmest congratulations to the winners and express our deep appreciation to all nominees and nominators. Several of the candidates would undoubtedly have been awarded the prize in any other year, and we encourage renewed nominations in the future. This year’s process clearly demonstrates the value and prestige associated with the International Hydrology Prize and reaffirms its role in recognising the world’s leading hydrological scientists.

Did you know the IAHS History of Hydrology has an active Wiki page?

The dedicated Wiki page for the IAHS History of Hydrology Working Group documents the group’s important contribution to preserving and promoting the historical development of hydrological sciences. This page is more than a reference point; it serves as a gateway for researchers, students, partners, and policymakers seeking authoritative information about IAHS and its scientific legacy. By strengthening our presence on platforms such as this, we enhance the visibility, accessibility, and long-term impact of our work.

In addition, the History of Hydrology is also available on our IAHS YouTube channel as a dedicated playlist. The playlist brings together recorded discussions that explore the evolution of hydrological thought, key figures in the field, and the milestones that have shaped our discipline.

We encourage members to explore, share, and contribute to these resources. Together, we can ensure that the rich history of hydrology continues to inform and inspire the next generation of scientists. The IAHS History of Hydrology Working Group is looking for members to contribute. Please don't hesitate to get in touch with Okke Batelaan, Chair of the History of Hydrology Working Group.

On behalf of the IAHS Academy Steering Committee and the Local Organizing Committee (LOC), we are pleased to share the date for the second edition of the IAHS Academy in Ningbo, China. The IAHS Academy is the newly established training and educational program to advance and promote hydrological sciences globally.

Date: 11-17 January 2027
Venue: 宁波东方理工大学  Eastern Institute of Technology, Ningbo (EIT) 

Building on the success of the first IAHS Academy (Ningbo, January 2026, read the press release here) the second edition aims to further strengthen IAHS capacity-building activities by expanding the scientific offer, enlarging participation, and consolidating the Academy as a flagship global training initiative for early-career hydrologists. This second edition is organized by International Association of Hydrological Sciences (IAHS), UNESCO Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP), the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), Eastern Institute of Technology, Ningbo (EIT) and Tsinghua University, Beijing.

IAHS Academy events aim to organize several courses/topics in parallel fostering a critical mass of lecturers and students in the same week and venue. There will be an opportunity to select up to 5 topics providing advanced scientific and applied research training. Call for applications will open in May 2026.

Interested participants are encouraged to register on the IAHS Academy mailing list to receive updates as soon as information becomes available. 

Stay in touch following our IAHS LinkedIn page and our IAHS Academy LinkedIn page to know about the event and how to participate. Scholarships will be provided by IAHS through the SYSTA program.

The abstract submission for the joint conference ICSH-STAHY/ ICGW 2026 to be held in Victoria Fall, Zimbabwe, 14-17 July 2026, has been extended to 28 February 2026. The conference will cover a wide range of topics which include:

• Extreme Events: Characterization and modeling of extreme hydrological and meteorological events

• Forecasting: Hydrological forecasting and nowcasting techniques

• Drought Analysis: Drought characterization and forecasting methodologies

• Groundwater Management: Management and protection of groundwater resources under climate variability and anthropogenic pressures

• Scaling Approaches: Scaling approaches in hydrology, fractals and multifractals

• Frontiers: Emerging frontiers in hydrological sciences

• Subsurface Processes: Subsurface environment and processes (characterization and modeling)

• Big Data: Hydrological applications based on big data analytics.

We invite you to submit your abstracts and join in us in Zimbabwe. You can submit your abstract here: STAHY2026 - Home. There is no abstract fee. 

The SYSTA award application deadline has also been extended to 28 February 2026. Applicants should email the completed SYSTA application form and a copy of their published paper and conference abstract to IAHS Secretariat ([email protected]) before the deadline.   

More information can be found here.

We hope to see many of you in Victoria Falls, with exciting talks and inspiring poster sessions on statistical hydrology and groundwater within our IAHS family. Please be aware that Victoria Falls in July is a popular holiday location, such that many hotels will be booked. We therefore advise you to organize your accommodation soon. Information on the venue and possible accommodation can be found on our IAHS conference page: STAHY Workshop 2026, where we also summarised some general travel advice.

Please feel free to reach out to the LOC ([email protected]) in case of questions.

The 5^th International Conference on African Rivers, 6–11 July 2026 in Rabat, Morocco, is organised on the initiative of the International Research Network RHYMA-CES funded by the French Institute of Research for Development (IRD).

It follows previous editions held in Hammamet (2015), Dakar (2016), Algiers (2018), and Cotonou (2021), which helped establish an active pan-African scientific community focused on African rivers and hydrological regimes. The conference is supported by the UNESCO FRIEND-Water program and the IAHS, thereby enhancing the international visibility of African research. It will be hosted by Mohamed V University in Rabat. 

SYSTA (Sivapalan Young Scientist Travel Award) funding is available to eligible early career scientists who meet ALL of the SYSTA award criteria. Applicants should email the completed SYSTA application form and a copy of their published paper and conference abstract to IAHS Secretariat ([email protected]) before the deadline of 30 March 2026 at 09:00 GMT. Before submitting the application form, applicants should read the “Guidance on completing the SYSTA application form” document. Applications and published paper must be in English.

Submit your abstract and register today.

SYSTA applications for ICSH-STAHY / ICGW Workshop 2026 close soon!

SYSTA travel awards are available to eligible early career scientists who meet ALL of the SYSTA award criteria. Applicants should email the completed application form and a copy of their published paper and conference abstract to IAHS Secretariat ([email protected]) before the deadline of 15 February 2026 at 09:00 GMT. Before submitting their application form, applicants should read the “Guidance on completing the SYSTA application form” document. Applications and published paper must be in English.

The ICSH-STAHY/ICGW 2026 workshop brings together the international statistical hydrology community for vibrant scientific discussions and debates on advanced statistical methods for hydrological applications. We are especially happy be joined by the International Commission of Groundwater (ICGW) and the Africa Regional Committee for exciting exchange and interdisciplinary sessions. Focusing on the broader scope of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established by the United Nations in 2015, the theme of the workshop is expected to address several goals but are not limited to Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6), Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11), Climate Action (SDG 13), and Life on Land (SDG 15). 

Abstract submission closes 15 February 2026. Please submit your abstract here. 

More information and all the important dates can be found here.

The IAHS successfully delivered the first edition of the IAHS Academy, held in Ningbo, China, from 12 to 18 January 2026, marking a major milestone in IAHS capacity-building and advanced training activities.

Organized jointly by IAHS, UNESCO Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (UNESCO-IHP), World Meteorological Organization (WMO), Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT) Ningbo and Tsinghua University, and further supported by International Water Management Institute (IWMI), the Global Water Partnership (GWP) and the Partnership for Research & Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA). The Academy brought together early-career scientists, researchers and professionals from across the world for an intensive week of advanced hydrological education and applied research training. 

The IAHS Academy 2026 hosted 40 young scientists representing more than 20 countries across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas, reflecting IAHS’s strong commitment to inclusivity, international cooperation, and support to scientists from disadvantaged countries.

Read the official press release here.

In this first issue of 2026, we profile the illustrious career of Professor Kate Heal, Chair of IAHS Ltd. Find out too about an exciting new Call for Papers for an ICCLAS-led Special Issue. And in addition to listing the three latest issues of HSJ, we provide synopses of all our recent featured and Open Access articles, as well as casting the spotlight on a notable review and other ‘hot topics’. Read it all here.