Our expertise lies in IWRM and the assessment of water systems under changing climatic conditions. We investigate water availability, runoff dynamics, retention and system operation, combining hydrodynamic modelling with practical management and adaptation measures.
Our work focuses on the hydraulic analysis and management of water systems under regular operating conditions, accounting for climate change, future pressures and emerging risks, as well as during extreme events such as floods and droughts. Using 1D and 2D hydrodynamic models, we simulate flows in rivers and across landscapes, identify flow and retention potential and assess structural and operational measures. We also investigate reservoir management and control strategies to balance water availability, flood retention, minimum downstream discharge, storage and competing water uses.
In response to increasing climate change impacts and future pressures on water resources, our focus is expanding towards proactive adaptation and resilient water management. In particular, we develop and assess Sponge Landscape concepts and Nature-Based Solutions to enhance landscape water retention, temporarily store runoff, enhance groundwater recharge potential and support water availability during dry periods. Our approach combines modelling, management and practical implementation to identify effective adaptation measures.
Topic 2. Nature-Based Approaches for Resilient Water Management at Hydrological and Hydrogeological System Scale
We are looking for partners to develop a joint project on integrated and climate-resilient water management. The project aims to investigate how water can be retained, managed and made available more sustainably under increasing pressures from climate change and changing water demands. A particular focus is on Sponge Landscapes and Nature-Based Solutions as approaches to improve water retention, support groundwater recharge, and enhance water availability. Building on our expertise in water management and 1D/2D hydrodynamic modelling, we aim to explore how such approaches can be assessed at the system scale and integrated into water management practices. We are looking for partners whose expertise, perspective, or application context complements our own and creates added value for a joint research approach. We are open to different disciplines and applications where our modelling and water management expertise can contribute to addressing a shared challenge in sustainable water management. The aim is to bring together complementary expertise to develop and evaluate practical approaches for improving water retention and availability and for strengthening the resilience of water systems under future conditions. A study area in Germany is already available for the project, while the approach can also be applied to and further developed for study areas provided by the project partners.
water management, hydrodynamic modelling, adaptation strategies, water retention, sponge landscapes, nature-based solutions, reservoir management