HYDRO focuses on the numerical modelling of the quantity and quality of surface, soil, glacier and groundwater from local to global scale.

Research activities span several fields. Water resources management involves assessing water resources at the river basin scale through water balance models. Surface water hydraulics and hydrology covers process studies of both quantity and quality aspects, rainfall-runoff modelling and stochastic rainfall and runoff models. Hydrodynamics and sediment transport examines current circulation, turbulence and mixing in stratified flows, sediment transport processes, and lithologic and geomorphologic evolution in aquatic environments. Groundwater hydrology involves regional and site studies and modelling techniques for both quantity and quality aspects. Ecohydrology analyses hydrologic systems in relation to land use and nature conservation, including GIS applications. Educational research in the field of environment and water covers education and training needs analysis, as well as evaluation and testing of knowledge, skills and competencies.