Over the past year or so, an internal Water Science Dialog discussed ongoing research activities related to water in various programs at IIASA. The goal was to explore the potential raised by these activities and identify both barriers and bridges to increasing collaborative water science activity at the institute.

The dialogue began internally among IIASA scientists and focused on projects, research capacity, and data — both existing and planned — related to water science. It then moved to consider where IIASA currently stands in this field by inviting external input as to key projects, questions, and methods that offer new opportunities in water science.  External water experts were invited to attend, comment, and lead a discussion according to planned talks.

The final phase of our dialogue concluded June 11th with a special Water Science Day. On this occasion, all of the findings of the Water Dialogue were reviewed by prominent scientists who have long familiarity with our organization. We were particularly keen to investigate what key gaps there might be in theory and methods at the frontiers of research, management and policy support. The critical question is whether IIASA’s programs can address such gaps, either in their present state or by expanding to add skills and expertise.

For additional information or questions, please contact David Wilberg, Jan Sendzimir or Jun Watabe

Responsible for this page: Jun Watabe
Last updated: 31 Aug 2007