IC-Rivers Aims

Key Objectives of the Center

Sustainable Development and Adaptation to Global Change

  • Assessing the impacts of climate change and developing adaptation strategies to create long-term solutions for protecting large river systems.
  • Supporting the international Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs, Agenda 2030) by providing scientifically sound decision-making frameworks for water policy.
  • Enhancing the accessibility of scientific information to better support political decision-making and promote sustainable water management measures.

Promoting International Cooperation and Knowledge Exchange

  • Close collaboration with international partners and participation in global water networks to strengthen cross-border cooperation.
  • Supporting national institutions on water-related issues through evidence-based research and practice-oriented management approaches.
  • Active involvement in transnational research projects to improve international water governance, particularly in the Danube region.

Innovative Research and Scientific Excellence

  • Conducting high-quality research using state-of-the-art methods and technologies for the sustainable use and protection of large river systems.
  • Developing practice-oriented solutions that facilitate the effective integration of scientific knowledge into water policy decision-making processes.
  • Utilizing the BOKU River Lab as an internationally recognized research center, serving as a hub for fundamental and applied research while fostering synergies with the UNESCO water community.

Education and Talent Development

  • Supervising master’s and doctoral theses, as well as offering hands-on training opportunities for students and young researchers.
  • Expanding specialized training programs for capacity building to enhance knowledge transfer into practice and provide targeted training for decision-makers.
  • Promoting science communication through initiatives such as citizen science and integrating researchers into educational programs to raise public awareness of water-related issues.

Long-term Impact and Applied Solutions

  • Integration of research findings into practice-oriented management strategies for the sustainable development and restoration of river ecosystems.
  • Ensuring long-term political support and funding through close collaboration with decision-makers and the integration of the center into international political processes.
  • Strengthening the role of the center as an international competence hub for sustainable river management, combining scientific excellence with concrete political and societal actions.