Research and development activities
The Department of Hydrology and Hydraulics develops scientific and technical foundations, methodologies, and innovative solutions for sustainable water management and for strengthening the resilience of society and water infrastructure, both today and in the future. Our work integrates hydrology, hydraulics, related processes such as sediment transport and erosion, geospatial analysis, remote sensing, and digital technologies, while taking economic, societal and broader environmental aspects into account.
Our activities include the development and acquisition of input data for more effective hydrological and hydraulic modelling, as well as sediment transport modelling. We prepare technical background studies for River Basin Management Plans and assess the availability of water resources for current and future use. We also develop advanced digital tools and models based on satellite and other remote sensing observations, artificial intelligence and digital twins to monitor floods, landslides and other hydrological extreme events.
In addition, we develop systematic approaches to address a wide range of water policy needs, including methodologies for documenting damage to water infrastructure following floods, as well as technical support for bathing water management, water pricing policies and the economic analysis of water management.
An important part of our work also comprises applied projects for public authorities and other clients, including hydrological and hydraulic studies, and sediment management analyses. We work in close interdisciplinary cooperation with other departments of the Slovenian Water Institute (IWRS), as well as with government authorities, research organisations and universities. Through this interdisciplinary approach, we provide scientifically sound and practically applicable solutions that support effective water management and help society adapt to future environmental and societal challenges.