World-leading water researchers gathered in Luleå

Around 270 researchers, experts and decision-makers from across the world took part in IAHR Europe Congress 2026, hosted by Luleå University of Technology. Over four days, discussions focused on Arctic waters, the energy transition and sustainable water management.

The congress brought together participants from a wide range of countries to discuss some of the most pressing challenges in hydro-environment engineering and water management. Topics included hydropower, biodiversity, climate adaptation, AI-based warning systems, water supply and future energy systems.

“It has been extremely rewarding to bring together so many leading researchers and experts in Luleå. The congress has created new connections and provided opportunities to discuss solutions to some of the most important water-related challenges we face today,” says Staffan Lundström, Professor of Fluid Mechanics at Luleå University of Technology and Chair of the Congress.

Luleå was selected as the host city because the region offers a unique setting where water, energy and societal development intersect. Northern Sweden is home to major hydropower systems while also facing challenges related to sustainability, biodiversity and climate adaptation.

“There has been strong interest in the congress, with participants coming from many different parts of the world. It demonstrates that the issues we work with here in northern Sweden are also highly relevant internationally,” says Staffan Lundström.

Staffan Lundström, professor of fluid mechanics at Luleå University of Technology.

Meeting place for future solutions

During the conference researchers presented new findings and technical solutions related to dam safety, flood management, water treatment, fish migration and hydropower. A key objective was to strengthen collaboration between academia, industry and public authorities in order to develop sustainable solutions for future water challenges.

One of the keynote speakers was Patrick Huber, Professor of Materials and X-ray Physics at Hamburg University of Technology and the German research centre DESY. He highlights the interaction between different research disciplines as one of the congress’s greatest strengths.

“What impressed me most is the connection between fundamental research and practical applications. Here, you can see how new materials and ideas can be used to address real societal challenges,” says Patrick Huber.

His research focuses on how water can be used as an active component in future materials, for example in energy storage, energy harvesting and optical applications.

Patrick Huber, Professor of Materials and X-ray Physics at Hamburg University of Technology and the German Research Center DESY.

Sees opportunities for future collaborations

Patrick Huber also sees opportunities for future collaboration with researchers at Luleå University of Technology.

“Many researchers develop materials with remarkable properties, but the real challenge is to make them work in practical applications. That is where I see several interesting connections to the research being conducted at Luleå University of Technology,” says Patrick Huber.

• Fluid mechanics
• International Association for Hydro-Environment Engineering and Research (IAHR)