The vision and scope of the Science for Solution decade is now crystallising after intense engagement within the IAHS community during this first year. You can follow the progress of the strategic planning (here). The next step is to kick-off the working groups to get into action!

Thank you to everyone who has signed up to the Working Groups for the Science for Solutions HELPING decade. Applications are still being received – go to https://iahs.info/Initiatives/Topic-for-the-Next-IAHS-decade/helping-working-groups/ and sign up to the working group of your choice via the website link (or contact the IAHS secretariat for assistance if you cannot access Google forms).

Currently, we are encouraging the Working Group leaders to be in touch with the people who have already signed up to their Working Group this month, to further iterate on scope and organisation of the collaborative work they foresee.

To share these actions with the full HELPING community, there will be two online meetings Thursday 2 and 9 November (at 13-16 CET). We expect 3-hr meetings where each working group leader (or another appointed person) present their idea for 2 minutes (max 2 ppt slides) followed by comments and questions from the audience. The presentations will be organised in the Themes and follow the structure of already identified goals (see here: https://iahs.info/Initiatives/Topic-for-the-Next-IAHS-decade/helping-working-groups/). Thereafter, time will be given for each Working Group to elaborate a more detailed workplan in parallel discussions (separate break-out in virtual rooms). 

A poll link will be shared via the Working Group leaders soon and a Zoom link will be shared via the Working Group leaders later this month. Note the two days are the same so you can attend one or both.

AGENDA for both 2 and 9 November 

13.00 – 13.10 CET Introduction to the Science for Solution decade HELPING - content and procedures (Berit Arheimer)

13.10 - 13.40 CET Theme 1: HELPING with global and local interactions (“2 min of madness”-presentations)

13.40 – 13.55 CET Open discussion on Theme 1 focus and goals

13.55 – 14.00 CET Sanity break

14.00 – 14.25 CET Theme 2: HELPING with holistic solutions for water security (“2 min of madness”-presentations)

14.25 – 14.40 CET Open discussion on Theme 2 focus and goals

14.40 – 14.55 CET Theme 3: HELPING with cross-cutting goals (“2 min of madness”-presentations)

14.55 – 15.10 CET Open discussion on Theme 3 focus and goals

15.10 – 15.15 CET Sanity break

15.15 – 15.45 CET Discussion in break-out groups for each WG (split audience into parallel rooms)

15.45 – 16.00 CET Reunion in plenary for feedback and open discussion on way forward.

Note that it is up to each working group to agree on activities, deliverables, and time-plan with participants. Some working groups may have a very specific aim and last for short time – while others may be more general and evolve over the full decade, using a living planning process.

Moreover, we have started to formulate an opinion paper to launch the vision of the Science for Solution decade HELPING in HSJ.

Looking forward to seeing you soon online!

Organisation of the 3rd Decade

Registration for STAHY 2023 is open! We have extended the registration deadline to 20 October.  All presenters MUST register by this deadline, or they risk losing their place in the program. 

STAHY 2023 PROGRAM 

We are pleased to share you with the full STAHY 2023 program. The program is also posted to the STAHY 2023 website. Presenting authors were informed of their place in the program and presentation instructions on 6 October. You can also find presenter information posted to the STAHY 2023 website. 

In addition to the fascinating contributions of presentations from our community, please take note of our invited speakers: 

• Professor Ana Barros, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
• Dr. Corrine Bowers, Stanford University and U.S. Geological Survey
• Professor Jennifer Dy, Northeastern University
• Dr. Grey Nearing, Google
• Dr. Karen Ryberg, U.S. Geological Survey

And the Early Career representatives to the International Commission on Statistical Hydrology (ICSH) have organized three excellent instructors for the Early Career Workshop, which will be offered on Wednesday, 8 November. Our instructors will be:

• Professor Auroop Ganguly, Northeastern University, who will describe the challenges associated with hydrologic data, their implications for domain-aware high-performance computing, and how next-generation artificial intelligence may be able to provide solutions and where further developments may be necessary.
• Professor Richard Vogel, Tufts University, who will discuss the theoretical implications of developing datasets with high spatial and temporal resolution and offer practical solutions for dealing with these statistical issues.
• Dr. Grey Nearing, Google, who will share perspectives on the future of hydrology, artificial intelligence, and machine learning and discuss potential career paths at the intersection of hydrology and artificial intelligence. 

The schedule is packed but be sure to leave time on either end of the schedule to explore Boston. Northeastern University is walkable to the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Fenway Park, the Boston Public Library, the Boston Common, the Boston Marathon Finish Line (permanently painted on the street), and many other points of interests – as well as fantastic dining options.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to [email protected] with questions. 

Thank you for helping to make STAHY 2023 such a success with your presence and contribution! We look forward to welcoming you in Boston. 

Very kindly,

Stacey Archfield, U.S. Geological Survey

Nominations are now being accepted for the IAHS Tison and Falkenmark awards.

The IAHS Tison Award

Established in 1982, aims to promote excellence in research by young hydrologists. The Award will be granted for an outstanding paper published by IAHS in a period of two years previous to the deadline for nominations. More information, including the list of previous awards, is available here.

The following criteria are valid:

• Candidates for the Award must be under 41 years of age at the time their paper was accepted for publication.
• The Award will consist of a citation in the name of L.J. Tison, an amount of US $1,000 and a free subscription to HSJ for one year. If the successful paper is jointly authored by eligible (age) authors, the monetary award will be divided equally between authors.
• The Award will be announced annually and will be presented in a public ceremony, normally during either an IUGG/IAHS General Assembly or an IAHS Scientific Assembly.
• Nominations for the Tison Award may be submitted by the National Committees of IAHS, officers of the IAHS Bureau, officers of the Commissions, HSJ editorial board members, convenors of IAHS symposia or editors of proceedings.
• Nominations may not be submitted directly by an author or co-author, but may be submitted through one of the aforementioned individuals. The nominations should be sent directly to the Secretary General of IAHS and should contain a reasoned argumentation and noted validation of the candidate’s age.
• Previous awardees are not eligible for nomination.
• The Award Committee may not recommend an Award in any one year if none of the papers submitted is of sufficiently high standard. 

The IAHS Falkenmark Award was estabilished in 2022 and is for best PhD thesis:

• Recognises outstanding contributions to hydrological understanding of water scarcity and water supply.
• Is granted every year.
• Highlights the importance of capacity building and knowledge/data gathering in financially disadvantaged countries.

Eligible nominees

• Grew up in a financially disadvantaged country.
• Performed the PhD work in one or more financially disadvantaged countries.
• Holds a PhD certificate, which is dated within the last 2 years.

 Nominations
The Evaluation Committee consists of one IAHS officer, the Chair of the Committee for Africa and invited experts depending on nominees topics 
Can be made by IAHS members
Must be forwarded to the IAHS Secretary General no later than 31 December of the previous year
Must consist of:
-   the nominee's CV (max. 2 pages, A4 format)
-   copy of PhD certificate
-   max 1-page nomination letter, with one sentence citation (max. 200 characters) stating why the nominee is the most qualified person to receive the Falkenmark Award
-   pdf of the PhD thesis, in English or supported by papers in English published in international scientific journals.

Nominations for both of the awards should be received by the Secretary General, Jean-Marie Kileshye Onema at [email protected], no later than 31 December 2023.

The International Hydrology Prize is awarded annually by IAHS, with UNESCO and WMO, to two people who have made an outstanding contribution to hydrological science. Nominations for the 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, as well as representatives from UNESCO and WMO.

Two medals are awarded under the International Hydrology Prize: the Dooge medal and the Volker medal. Both medals are intended to distinguish outstanding achievements by hydrological scientists but with a different focus. The Dooge medal is aimed at fundamental contributions to the science of hydrology, whereas the Volker medal is aimed at outstanding applications of hydrological science for the benefit of society at large. 

The following applies to both the Dooge and Volker medals:

The International Hydrology Prize shall be awarded to persons who have made outstanding contributions to hydrology such as confers on the candidate universal recognition of his or her international stature.
The contribution should have an identifiable international dimension extending beyond both the country of normal work and the specific field of interest of the candidate.
The medals may be awarded to hydrologists of long international standing or to younger but active hydrologists who exhibit qualities of international leadership in the science or practice of hydrology.
An active involvement in the work of IAHS and other international organisations in the field of hydrology should be counted as an advantage.

Specific considerations for the Dooge medal:

The Dooge medal is particularly intended for hydrologists who have demonstrated scientific excellence, and have made fundamental contributions to the science of hydrology as evidenced by publications in the international scientific literature and other evidence of high standard.
Preference should be given to candidates who have recently exhibited outstanding international leadership in the science of hydrology.

Specific considerations for the Volker medal:

The Volker medal is dedicated for hydrologists who have applied their research and hydrological expertise to the benefit of society, addressing issues of public interest and development.
Applications of hydrology to the benefit of developing countries would count as an advantage.
Preference should be given to candidates who have contributed through both scientific and practical work, and who have made outstanding contributions to the Hydrology community as demonstrated by active involvement in the work of IAHS or other international hydrological associations.

Nomination format and procedure:

Nominations should be received by the Secretary General of IAHS no later than 31 December 2023 – Jean-Marie Kileshye Onema [email protected] – and consist of:

• a (max. 2, pages A4 format) nomination letter signed by a National Representative to IAHS, the President of a national committee of UNESCO-IHP, or a National Hydrological Advisor to the WMO, with one sentence citation (max. 200 characters), and stating why the nominee is the most qualified person to receive the Volker or Dooge medal, paying attention to the medal's dedication specified above
• the nominee’s CV (max. 3 pages, A4 format) with an emphasis on the contribution to hydrological science and international scientific cooperation, providing clear information on the main criteria used for the evaluation and the specific considerations mentioned above
• a list of the major scientific publications (max. 2 pages, A4 format).

Nominations are expected from the world diversity, and equally for female and male candidates.

Evaluation criteria:

a)      Outstanding contributions to hydrology evidenced by universal recognition of his or her international stature.

b)      Identifiable contributions with international dimensions extending beyond both the country of normal work and the specific field of interest of the candidate.

c)      For senior candidates proof of Hydrologists activities of long international standing, or for younger candidates, proof of being active hydrologists with qualities of international leadership in the science or practice of hydrology.

d)      Active involvement in the work of IAHS and other international organizations in the field of hydrology is counted as an advantage.

e)      Application of the hydrological research performed and the use of his/her expertise to the benefit of society and addressing issues of public interest and development.

f)       Applications of hydrology to the benefit of developing countries counts as an advantage.

The IUGG Annual Report 2022 provides a comprehensive summary of the activities of the Union including its Associations, Union Commissions,
and Programs.
We invite you to download this impressive summary of last year’s activities.

The e-news for October 2023 is also available to download

Registration is now open for STAHY 2023

We also have additional details we would like to share about the workshop:

EARLY CAREER WORKSHOP DETAILS:

We are pleased to announce that the Early Career Committee representation for the International Commission on Statistical Hydrology (ICSH) have organized two excellent instructors for the Early Career Workshop, which will be offered on Wednesday, 8 November. Our instructors will be:

• Professor Richard Vogel, Tufts University, who brings extensive expertise on the application of statistical and systems approaches to the solution of applied problems in the field of hydrology and water resources engineering.
• Associate Professor Chaopeng Shen, Pennsylvania State University, who brings leadership and expertise on advancing the fundamental understanding of the interactions between hydrology and other subsystems using hydrologic deep learning. 

INVITED SPEAKERS:

Professor Ana Barros, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Dr. Corrine Bowers, Stanford University and U.S. Geological Survey
Professor Jennifer Dy, Northeastern University
Dr. Grey Nearing, Google
Dr. Karen Ryberg, U.S. Geological Survey

PROGRAM DETAILS:

All talks are considered plenary talks in that we will not have concurrent sessions. If you have submitted an abstract and are selected for an oral presentation, you will have 15 minutes total, with 12 minutes for your presentation and 3 minutes for questions. Poster presenters will be given the opportunity to introduce their poster material in a 5-minute oral presentation (2-3 slides) during the workshop. 

We will release the final program in early October.

ABOUT STAHY:

The International Commission on Statistical Hydrology (ICSH) of the International Association of Hydrological Sciences (IAHS) is organising the 13th International Workshop on Statistical Hydrology (STAHY2023), which will be hosted by Northeastern University in Boston, Massaschuetts (USA), from 8-10 November 2023. The event is sponsored by The Institute for Experiential AI at Northeastern University. 

The STAHY 2023 workshop brings together the international statistical hydrology community for vibrant scientific discussions and debates on advanced statistical methods for hydrological applications. This year's theme aims to provide a bridge between the environmental statistics and artificial intelligence communities with methodological discussions, exchange of knowledge, and identification of opportunities for mutual support to solve climate, water, and sustainability issues.

Full details of the workshop, including the registration link via Copernicus, are available here.

We look forward to welcoming you in November.

STAHY Organising Committee

IAHS are pleased to be a partner in the upcoming 24th WaterNet/WARFSA/GWP-SA Symposium.

The 24th WaterNet/WARFSA/GWP-SA Symposium will be held in Zanzibar, United Republic of Tanzania at the Verde Hotel Resort, 25 – 27 October 2023 under the theme Accelerating Change: Fostering Innovation and Integration for Sustainable Water Resources Management in East and Southern Africa

The Symposia have been held annually in the Eastern and Southern African regions for the past 23 years to promote interaction among policymakers, academics, practitioners from water and related sectors, and cooperating partners. Together, they identify regional issues, gaps and priorities that require further research and support. Great emphasis has been placed on integration of knowledge, particularly involving scholars from the natural and social sciences.

This year’s symposium sub-themes have been aligned to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and themes of the World Water Day 2023 and the SADC Water Research Agenda under the Regional Strategic Action Plan (RSAP) on Integrated Water Resources Development and Management Phase V, whose main objective is:

• Promoting evidence-based implementation of SADC water programmes and projects through multi- and inter-disciplinary research, and synthesis of existing and new information, which will lead to a realization of SADC developmental goals.

For more information including registration details please read the Second Call

The IAHS International Commission on Water Quality (ICWQ) will host a workshop entitled 'Flood-Drought Disaster Chain and Water Ecological Degradation in the Changing Environment' 2-3 December 2023 in Zhuhai City, China.

Topics will include:

1. Intelligent monitoring of hydrology and water ecology for the early perception of water risk
2. Extreme storm and non-point source pollution in the changing environment
3. Flood-drought-aquatic ecology modeling and risk early warning
4. Prediction of drought-flood alternation and flood-drought disaster chain
5. Water ecological responses to human activities and climate change
6. Storm surge - heavy rain - flood - waterlogging - ecological degradation "multi-encounter" and its derivative disaster occurrence
7. Simulation, prediction and assessment of flood and drought disasters and their derivative composite disasters
8. Restoration and governance of water ecological degradation 

Registration is free.

Abstracts of no more than 300 words should be sent to Prof. LIU Zhiyoug ([email protected]) before November 10th, 2023.

Thanks to the amazing team of people behind the design of our IAHS new website, we are so pleased that it has been so positively received. Whilst it may not be perfect, we’re still working on it. The site will be getting new features over the next few months, as we look to expand our presence further. The next feature will require a migration of our website and although this should not take longer than a day to complete, the IAHS will be under construction for most of Thursday 21st September 2023.

Thank you in advance for your patience and continued support.