1. Background

The International Association for Hydro-Environment Engineering and Research (IAHR) is a leading global professional organization dedicated to advancing research and practice in water engineering, hydrology, and hydro-environmental sciences. The IAHR Southern-India Young Professionals Network (IAHR SI YPN) actively empowers students and early-career professionals across Southern India through awareness initiatives, knowledge-sharing, and capacity-building activities.

As part of these objectives, IAHR SI YPN organized an awareness and outreach event at the Department of Civil Engineering, University College of Engineering (UCE), Tiruchirappalli, on 21 January 2025.

2. Objectives of the Event

• Create awareness about IAHR, IAHR SI YPN and IAHR-IIT Madras Institute Chapter among undergraduate students

• Introduce opportunities for professional engagement, research, and networking in the water sector

• Encourage early involvement of students in hydro-environmental engineering and related interdisciplinary fields

3. Event Details

• Date: 21 January 2025

• Venue: Department of Civil Engineering, UCE Tiruchirappalli

• Participants: Undergraduate students

• Organized by: IAHR SI YPN & IAHR - IIT Madras Institute Chapter

• Supported by: Department of Civil Engineering, UCE Tiruchirappalli

4. Programme Overview

The programme commenced with a welcome address by Dr. R. Ilangovan, Head of the Department of Civil Engineering, University College of Engineering, Tiruchirappalli, who formally inaugurated the event and emphasized the importance of professional engagement and capacity building for students in the water and hydro-environmental engineering domain. 

Following the inaugural address, Dr. Vengadesan Palanimanickam, representing IAHR SI YPN, coordinated the event and delivered two presentations. The first talk introduced IAHR and IAHR SI YPN, highlighting IAHR’s global presence, professional activities, research networks, and capacity-building opportunities for students and young professionals. The second talk, titled “Opportunities for Young Professionals in the Water Sector,” focused on career pathways, research prospects, and the importance of professional networking in water and hydro-environmental engineering.

Subsequently, Mrs. Nivetha S. delivered a technical talk titled “Spatio-temporal Analysis of Shoreline Change Using Various Techniques (CoastSat) and Ground Truth Validation: A Case Study of Ennore, Southeast Coast of India (1990–2025).” The presentation demonstrated the application of satellite-based shoreline analysis techniques combined with field validation, providing participants with insights into real-world coastal engineering research and practice.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. V. Rajagopalan, acknowledging the contributions of the organizers, speakers, and participants.

5. Outcomes

The event witnessed active student participation and constructive interaction. The sessions helped raise awareness of IAHR, IAHR SI YPN and IAHR-IIT Madras Institute Chapter, highlighted emerging challenges in the water sector, and encouraged students to engage with professional societies and interdisciplinary research initiatives early in their academic careers.

6. Acknowledgements

IAHR SI YPN sincerely acknowledges the support of the Department of Civil Engineering, University College of Engineering, Tiruchirappalli, in organizing this event. Special thanks are extended to Dr. R. Ilangovan (Head of the Department), Dr. V. Rajagopalan, Mr. Sathish Kumar, and Mr. Santhosh Kumar for their valuable support and encouragement.

» Email: iahrsiypn@doe.iitm.ac.in
» Website: IAHR Southern-India Young Professionals Network