IAHS Scientific Assembly Returns to India

The XIIth International Association of Hydrological Sciences (IAHS) Scientific Assembly is set to make a grand return to India after a remarkable gap of 16 years. Scheduled to take place from October 5 to 10, 2025, the Assembly will be hosted in the historic city of Roorkee, which is renowned for its pioneering contributions to hydrological research, cutting-edge water resource management education, and its proximity to critical Himalayan watersheds. Roorkee's legacy as the site of India's oldest engineering institution, now IIT Roorkee, further underscores its status as a global leader in hydrological studies. This is an exciting milestone for India’s hydrological community, as the last IAHS Assembly held in the country was in 2008, in Hyderabad.

The IAHS Scientific Assembly, established in 1922, has served as a pivotal platform for advancing the science of hydrology globally. With a mission to promote the study of water resources and their sustainable management, the Assembly facilitates collaboration among hydrologists, geoscientists, and policymakers. Over the decades, it has become a hub for presenting groundbreaking research, exchanging ideas, and shaping the future of water science. Its periodic gatherings have consistently addressed pressing water-related challenges, making significant contributions to global hydrological knowledge and practices.

The 2008 IAHS Scientific Assembly in Hyderabad was organized by the National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI) in collaboration with the Indian Association of Hydrologists (IAH). Their efforts brought together experts from across the globe, fostering important discussions on water resource challenges and hydrological advancements. Proper acknowledgment of these contributions highlights the significant role of Indian institutions in advancing hydrological sciences.

The 2008 Assembly in Hyderabad was a landmark event that brought together researchers, scientists, and policymakers to address pressing challenges in water resources and hydrology. It provided a platform to discuss innovative solutions and collaborative opportunities, leaving a lasting impact on global hydrological studies. Sixteen years later, the XIIth IAHS Scientific Assembly in Roorkee promises to build on that legacy, addressing contemporary challenges such as increasing water scarcity, the impact of hydro-climatic extremes, innovative approaches to water resource management, and the integration of hydrological sciences with climate adaptation strategies.

Roorkee, home to the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee, NIH Roorkee, IRI Roorkee, and CBRI Roorkee, is renowned for its contributions to hydrological research and education. With its strategic location near the Himalayan watersheds and a vibrant community of researchers, Roorkee is an ideal venue for such a global event. The Assembly will be jointly organized by IIT Roorkee, NIH Roorkee, IRI Roorkee, and CBRI Roorkee, showcasing the region's collective expertise in hydrology and related fields.