Theme & topics

Theme: Digital solutions in hydrology and sustainable water management

Topic 1. Exploring digital frontiers in water resources, water quality and ecohydrology 

This theme focuses on advancing digital technologies and infrastructures that enable high-quality, high-frequency, and high-resolution data across the hydrological cycle. We welcome contributions to innovative sensor systems, remote sensing, edge computing, and data integration techniques that enhance observations of water quantity, quality, and ecosystem dynamics. Particular interest is given to cross-disciplinary approaches that combine environmental monitoring with information and communication technology (ICT), systems design, and automation. Contributions may also address challenges related to data accessibility, interoperability, and standardization across sectors and regions. 

Sub-theme 1. Smart sensing and real-time environmental monitoring: Development and application of in-situ and remote sensing systems, IoT devices, and edge/cloud-based architectures for water and ecosystem observation. 

Sub-theme 2. Embedded analytics and intelligent data processing: Local and automated data analysis using machine learning and statistical tools to support efficient, high-frequency monitoring and interpretation. 

Sub-theme 3. Digital twins and system-level simulation environments: 
Design and application of digital twins and interactive platforms that integrate real-time data, simulation, and visualization to support water system understanding and management. 

Topic 2. Hydrology in a changing environment - observations, models and decision support 

As climate change, land use dynamics, and societal demands reshape our environment, hydrology plays a critical role in understanding and responding to increasingly complex hydro-climatic conditions. This theme invites contributions related to hydrological observations, modelling frameworks, and decision support systems across different time horizons. We especially welcome interdisciplinary approaches that combine hydrology with data science, engineering, policy, or the social sciences to improve predictive capability, uncertainty communication, and real-world usability. 

​​​Sub-theme 1. Foods, droughts and water scarcity under climate variability: This sub-theme focuses on changing hydro-climatic extremes and water scarcity, including process understanding, monitoring, modelling, vulnerability assessments, and early warning systems. 

​​​Sub-theme 2. Hybrid and integrative modelling approaches:  We invite contributions that combine process-based models with data-driven techniques such as machine learning or data assimilation to improve performance, enhance predictability, and better link observations with models. 

​​​​​Sub-theme 3. From observations to action – supporting real-time response and long-term planning: This sub-theme focuses on how hydrological data and model outputs can be used to support planning and decision-making at various time horizons. Topics may include infrastructure design under climate uncertainty, scenario development for emergency and long-term planning, and knowledge integration into water management. 

Topic 3. Solutions for water resources management and pathways for societal impact

Sustainable and inclusive water governance requires actionable solutions that connect science, policy, and society. This theme highlights practical approaches that support decision-making and implementation at different levels—from local to national and transboundary scales. We welcome contributions to integrated water management, nature-based and hybrid solutions, policy innovation, stakeholder engagement, and socio-environmental transitions. Special emphasis is placed on contributions that use digital technologies, participatory processes, and multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) to address complex trade-offs between ecological, social, and economic goals. We particularly invite cross-sectoral and interdisciplinary perspectives that demonstrate how water-related solutions can generate measurable societal impact. 

Sub-theme 1. Nature-based and hybrid solutions for sustainable water management: Design, implementation, and evaluation of green and hybrid infrastructure to improve resilience, ecosystem services, and climate adaptation capacity. 

Sub-theme 2. Participatory and inclusive water governance: Approaches and tools that engage communities, stakeholders, and diverse knowledge systems in co-designing fair and effective water management. 

Sub-theme 3. Digital innovations for impact-oriented water governance: Use of digital tools, analytics, and integrated platforms to support adaptive management, policy transformation, and decision-making under complexity. 

Keynote speakers