Report of Activities 2025

The IAHR Young Professionals Networks (YPNs) continue to reach new heights, driving progress and technical excellence in the hydro-environmental sector across the globe. The 2025 Annual Report showcases the immense dedication and collaborative spirit of our members, who are actively pioneering innovative solutions for water resource management.  

This year was particularly meaningful as the association celebrated its 90th anniversary (1935–2025), a milestone that allowed our networks to reflect on nearly a century of research while looking toward the future. By providing platforms for mentorship, specialized knowledge exchange, and global networking, the YPNs ensure that the next generation of industry leaders is prepared to address the complex environmental challenges of our time.  

Notable events included several high-profile activities organized throughout the year, offering hands-on experiences and networking opportunities that helped strengthen the global YPN community: 

• The 4th IAHR-YPN Doctoral Student Forum (IAHR DLUT YPN & IAHR IWHR Beijing YPN): Held in Dalian in September 2025, this forum featured six parallel sessions centered on the theme of "Water". Discussions covered the hydrological cycle, water security, and the dynamic processes of rivers, lakes, and oceans. It showcased technological innovations in hydraulic structures and smart municipal engineering while encouraging reflection on human-water harmony and climate change. Representatives from the IAHR IWHR Beijing YPN participated in the organization and delivered English reports during the sessions. 

• World Water Day Low-Carbon Cycling Event (IAHR NHRI YPN): In March 2025, the IAHR NHRI YPN organized a cycling event themed "Water Rhythm Research Road, Cycling Tracks of New Youth" in Nanjing, China. The activity aimed to promote green and low-carbon lifestyles among graduate students while raising awareness for water resource protection. Students from both NHRI and Hohai University participated, combining environmental advocacy with physical health. This initiative successfully celebrated China Water Week by promoting ecological responsibility among the association's youth. 

• IAHR India Meet-up at the 41st World Congress (IAHR Southern-India YPN): During the IAHR 41st World Congress in Singapore in June 2025, the IAHR Southern-India YPN led an initiative to bring together active members of the Indian community. The objective was to build a strong regional network and discuss ways to empower water sector research through the association. The session fostered connections between young professionals and seasoned experts, emphasizing capacity building and international collaboration. It served as a strategic platform for strengthening the IAHR's influence and synergy within the Indian region. 

• UNESCO Ecohydrology Symposium (IAHR Poland YPN): The President of the IAHR Poland YPN participated in a symposium at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris in June 2025 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the UNESCO IHP.  The dedicated session focused on the role of ecohydrology in sustainable water management and the importance of youth in the global water agenda. A major component was a discussion on the complementarity of ecohydraulics and ecohydrology with international experts. The event contributed significantly to the ongoing integration efforts between the IAHR and UNESCO's hydrological programs. 

• "Connections that Drive Change" Networking Meeting (IAHR Panama YPN): In October 2025, the IAHR Panama YPN hosted a hybrid networking event at the Universidad Tecnológica de Panamá. The meeting included the "Río de Vida" integration workshop and presentations from the network's three focus committees. It was designed to foster interpersonal connections and encourage a collective purpose among members to drive environmental action. This activity emphasized community building and the exchange of innovative ideas to address Panama's hydro-environmental challenges.  

The collective efforts across these diverse regional networks—from fostering innovation in hydroinformatics to advocating for environmental sustainability—ensure that the next generation is prepared to lead the water sector into its next century. Moving into 2026, the IAHR YPNs remain dedicated to connections that drive change, building a more resilient world through academic excellence and professional collaboration. 

 Join the IAHR Young Professionals Networks

Join the IAHR Young Professionals Networks and become part of a dynamic and engaged community shaping the future of hydro-environmental engineering! By joining the YPNs, you will enjoy access to:

• Exclusive events and conferences

• Access to knowledge resources

• Career-building resources and opportunities

• Global networking with professionals and peers

Access the report and learn more about how you can get involved and make a difference in the field of hydro-environmental engineering.