16th International Conference on Hydroinformatics in Zaragoza, Spain | 22-26 June 2026

HIC 2026 brought together the international hydroinformatics community in Zaragoza to advance knowledge and practical solutions at the intersection of water, data, modelling, artificial intelligence and digital technologies.

The 16th International Conference on Hydroinformatics was held in Zaragoza, Spain, from 22 to 26 June 2026. Hosted by the University of Zaragoza and the Aragón Institute for Engineering Research (I3A), and chaired by Professor Pilar García-Navarro, the conference convened researchers, practitioners, industry representatives, students and water professionals from around the world.

HIC 2026 provided a global forum for exploring how hydroinformatics can support more sustainable, resilient and effective water systems in the face of climate change, water scarcity, increasingly frequent extreme events, urbanisation and the growing interdependence of water, energy, food and ecosystems.

 HIC 2026 at a Glance

• 338 international delegates

• 31 countries represented

• 317 abstract submissions

• 285 oral presentations

• 32 poster presentations

• 131 full papers received

• 63+ technical sessions

• 6 keynote lectures

• 6 special sessions 

• 2 workshops
  

 Connecting Science, Technology and Water Management

The scientific programme was organised around eleven thematic areas reflecting the breadth and rapid evolution of hydroinformatics:

• Technologies for water management and monitoring

• Big data, knowledge and water data management

• AI-based solutions in modelling methods

• High-performance computing in hydroinformatics

• Digital transformation of urban water systems

• Climate change impacts and climate resilience

• Environmental and coastal hydroinformatics

• Complex water systems, remote sensing and control

• Water–Energy–Food nexus

• Innovation in education and training in hydroinformatics

• Innovative water technologies

Together, these themes demonstrated how advances in data, computing, sensing and modelling are transforming the understanding, management and operation of water systems.

 Keynote and Special Sessions

The HIC2026 keynote programme brought together six leading voices in hydroinformatics and water engineering, with two keynote lectures each day.

Tuesday, 23 June

• Ibrahim Demir, Chair of the IAHR/IWA Joint Committee on Hydroinformatics, speaking on Reimagining Hydrology Education, Research and Engineering Practice in the Age of AI.

• Enrique Cabrera, speaking on Digital transformation of urban water systems.

Wednesday, 24 June

• Reinhard Hinkelmann, speaking on High Performance Computing in the Hydrosciences.

• Enrique Playán Jubillar, speaking on The Water–Energy–Food–Ecosystems nexus in irrigation management.

Thursday, 25 June

• Efi Foufoula-Georgiou, speaking on Climate-water systems, precipitation extremes and resilience.

• Francesca Pianosi, speaking on Greater power, greater responsibility: water systems modelling with ever increasing data and computing power.

These six keynote lectures examined some of the most significant developments shaping contemporary hydroinformatics, including artificial intelligence in hydrology, high-performance computing, climate and precipitation extremes, the water–energy–food–ecosystems nexus, responsible water-systems modelling and the digital transformation of urban water systems.

Six dedicated special sessions also addressed emerging and applied areas such as flood and water-quality forecasting, decision-support systems, hydrodynamic and hydrological computing, water-system operations and digital twins.

The full keynote programme, conference highlights and award coverage are available in IAHR’s original HIC 2026 conference page

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 Scientific Programme and Knowledge Outputs

HIC 2026 received 317 abstract submissions, resulting in 285 oral presentations and 32 poster presentations. A total of 131 full papers were submitted for publication through the conference proceedings and associated publication venues.

The review process was coordinated by the International Scientific Committee. Submissions were evaluated by experts in the relevant fields, authors responded to reviewers’ observations and revised papers were assessed before final approval.

The accepted contributions are collected in the HIC 2026 Book of Abstracts and conference proceedings.

 Recognising Excellence in Scientific Communication  

Three awards were presented during the 2026 International Hydroinformatics Conference (22-26 June) in Zaragoza, Spain.  

• Best poster presentation awarded in recognition of outstanding scientific communication and excellence in poster presentation at HIC 2026 to:
  Noor Ahmad Yaqubi for his presentation on AI-Based Rainfall Forecasting of Extreme Localized Events: A Review 



• Best oral presentation awarded in recognition of outstanding scientific communication and excellence in oral presentation at HIC 2026 to:
  Susanna Dazzi for her oral presentation on Levee-breach inundation forecasting with deep-learning and hydrodynamic models: the 2020 Panaro River case study 



• Best Young Presentation awarded in recognition of outstanding scientific communication and excellence in presentation by a young researcher at HIC 2026 to:
  Lennart Steffen for his presentation on Kokkidio: Performance Portability for Hydroinformatics Code 

Congratulations to all!

 Building Connections Across the Hydroinformatics Community  

Networking and professional exchange were central to the conference. The opening and welcome activities took place at the historic Paraninfo Building of the University of Zaragoza, while the technical sessions were hosted on the university campus.

The conference also provided opportunities for interaction between established experts, emerging researchers and young professionals, strengthening international connections across research, engineering practice and water management.

A complete selection of photographs is available in the HIC 2026 photo album.

 Extending the Conversation Beyond the Conference  

HIC 2026 received coverage from national and regional media, contributing to wider public awareness of hydroinformatics, digital water technologies and contemporary water-management challenges. The conference consolidated the international hydroinformatics community around data-driven, computational and digital-twin approaches to water and the environment, while strengthening exchange between researchers, practitioners and young professionals.

 Looking Ahead to HIC 2028

The 17th International Conference on Hydroinformatics will take place in Pescara, Italy, from 5 to 9 June 2028.

 Acknowledgements

IAHR and the HIC 2026 organisers extend their appreciation to the keynote speakers, delegates, organising and scientific committees, reviewers, session chairs, special-session conveners, volunteers, supporting institutions, sponsors and exhibitors whose contributions made the conference possible..

 Related

IAHR/IWA Joint Committee on Hydroinformatics
Join LinkedIn Group IAHR/IWA Joint Committee on Hydroinformatics
HIC2026 Brings the Global Hydroinformatics Community to Zaragoza