Research is a vital component of UNESCO-IHE’s mission. The Institute’s research activities focus on and contribute to the knowledge base concerning the water environment, and therefore complement its other major activities – education and capacity building.

UNESCO-IHE conducts applied, strategic and fundamental scientific R&D in collaboration with its network of research institutions in Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East.

UNESCO-IHE’s R&D activities are demand-driven. They address problems that are encountered in many countries, with a focus on sustainable development. Masters and PhD programme participants are closely involved in R&D activities. They may choose to participate in UNESCO-IHE’s ongoing R&D activities, or they may define a research theme that is relevant to their own country.

Research at UNESCO-IHE focuses on five themes:

  • Water security
  • Environmental integrity
  • Urbanization
  • Water management and governance
  • Information and communication systems

Research Themes
Research is a vital component of UNESCO-IHE’s mission.

Publications
The database of UNESCO-IHE's publications contains information of the scientific output that UNESCO-IHE has produced in the period from 1992 onwards.

PhD Research
At UNESCO-IHE, PhD participants work together with other researchers – including over 65 PhD and 200 MSc participants from many countries – dealing with topics related to water and the environment. This results in a vibrant, multicultural and multidisciplinary research atmosphere.

Sponsors
A significant number of postgraduate degree participants need funding to attain their studies.