Research
We conduct comprehensive and interdisciplinary research within the framework of several universities and research institutions, in both applied and basic research.
Research and expertise across the hydrosphere
We approach water ecosystems in an integrated way, following the “Source to Sea” concept. Our research encompasses phenomena in the atmosphere, soil, surface water and groundwater, leveraging our strong background in hydrology.
Key areas of expertise in the DIWA project also include modeling, observation, ICT, robotics, observation systems, and a spatial data center, with contributions from entities such as the Finnish Meteorological Institute and the Finnish Environment Institute.
We use diverse methodologies and apply strong process expertise with a holistic approach to water resource management, incorporating perspectives from sociology and other human sciences.
Our research community has produced high-quality and impactful scientific research, widely used in the development of water and environmental policies in various countries. We are creating solutions for future challenges.
Access the Super Sites of water research
Collaboration in our unique and growing research infrastructure
Our researchers and collaborators can leverage their research in DIWA’s Super Sites to gather data and knowledge on various hydroecological processes and systems.
The modern research infrastructure in the Super Sites provides a robust framework for data collection and research. Our collaborators can bring their own measuring equipment to these sites or further develop the setups with the members of our ecosystem. The Super Sites also enable the development and testing of various modeling approaches and digital twins.
The DIWA Super Sites host novel monitoring set-ups and long time series on climate, hydrology and ecology. Super Sites currently include river basins in Oulanka, Pallas, Pulmankijoki, and Vantaanjoki.
DIWA research themes
Hydrosphere processes
Understanding processes and changes across space and time.
New observational systems
New observation networks and platforms for monitoring natural and built environments.
Integrated analysis and modelling
Near real time simulation and impact assessments through analysis tools and simulation models
Digital services, platforms, and business applications
Digital solutions for sharing and exploring data, and co-creation of services.
Transformative water management
New avenues to improve water management, to facilitate sustainability transformation, and to create business innovations through digital solutions.
Building Digital Twins
Enhancing water security through digital models
Digital Twin is an appropriate high-performance observation and computing infrastructure that hosts big data, models and user interface and provides services connecting input data, models and output at various scales to provide an improved “digital ecosystem”.
Technological steps envisioned to develop the state of the art include: the development of observational space and open-source data; model development to interact and deal with inputs and outputs and to be executed in the cloud, a set-up for hypothesis testing, the inclusion of uncertainty estimation, providing a tool for system and scenario analysis.