UF Water Institute

08/10/2026

Don't forget to register for James Erskine's BRIDGES webinar this Thursday, August 13, 3:00pm! Listen to his presentation, “Science Needs to Support Restoration of the South Florida Ecosystem,” to hear about potential areas for future research.

Learn more and register here: bit.ly/4f7Tggt

08/05/2026

We’re proud to see Water Institute Director Dr. Matt Cohen in the August 2026 issue of the National Geographic. In the article, “Inside the Mystery Forests of the Marshlands,” Dr. Cohen shares his expertise in ecohydrology, helping uncover the science and wonder behind cypress domes across the Southeast, especially in South Florida.

Deep in Florida’s remote wetlands, towering stands of cypress trees form an ecological marvel that’s seldom seen by outsiders. Until now.

07/29/2026

Calling all UF graduate students! Applications for the Water Institute Dissertation Award and the Research Award close Monday, August 3. Don’t miss the opportunity to gain recognition or funding for your water research.

- Water Institute Dissertation Award: bit.ly/3Vu6F8N
- Water Institute Research Award: bit.ly/3PTTKKo

07/28/2026

Through a series of practitioner-driven "show and tell" case studies, presenters at the FloridaWCA-hosted webinar highlighted the use, challenges, and benefits of AI in the water and climate space. The webinar, which took place on June 26, 2026, featured over 100 participants learning how to responsibly and realistically use AI-enabled tools to support water and climate modeling, forecasting, planning, and management.

Learn more: bit.ly/4bBwcVh

07/22/2026

How can researchers effectively communicate the value of their work in a changing funding environment?
2019 Water Institute Graduate Fellow Izuchukwu Ezukanma helped answer that question by convening a webinar with national leaders in science policy and communication through partnerships with the Interagency Arctic Policy Research Committee and the Association of Polar Early Career Scientists.
The discussion equipped researchers with practical tools for engaging policymakers, sharing impactful research stories, and strengthening support for scientific research.

Watch the recording:

As research funding landscapes continue to evolve, scientists are i...

07/21/2026

Calling all water-focused Gators!
The Water Institute is offering opportunities to support and celebrate outstanding water-related research, scholarship, and outreach.
- Water Institute Dissertation Award: Recognize exceptional student research
- Water Institute Research Award: Support innovative interdisciplinary research components
- Water Institute Photo Contest: Showcase water-related research, education, or extension programs

August deadlines are approaching, so don't wait. Learn more and nominate, apply, or submit today!
🔗 linktr.ee/ufwaterinstitute

07/20/2026

Be part of an ongoing conversation surrounding the Everglade's restoration by registering now for James Erskine's BRIDGES webinar on August 13, 3:00pm! Listen to his presentation, “Science Needs to Support Restoration of the South Florida Ecosystem” and hear about potential areas for future research.

James is the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Everglades Coordinator, and has over three decades of experience working to restore South Florida ecosystems. The BRIDGES webinar series features speakers from various backgrounds and industry to convene discussions on the science of the Everglades.

Learn more and register here: bit.ly/4f7Tggt

07/14/2026

Florida's springs support recreation, local economies, ecosystem health, and community identity, yet many of these benefits are often overlooked. New research led by Water Institute Affiliate Faculty member Dr. Kotryna Klizentyte provides a more complete picture of the ecological, economic, and social value of springs, offering insights to inform conservation planning, community engagement, and long-term protection efforts.

Dr. Klizentyte recently shared findings from this work at the Santa Fe River Springs Protection Forum, where community members, resource managers, and decision-makers came together to discuss the future of these iconic resources.

Learn more: bit.ly/3RcZRwI

UF IFAS School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences SFFGS

07/08/2026

Support Water Institute Fall 2025 Travel Award Recipient Amanda Chappel from UF Engineering School of Sustainable Infrastructure & Environment- ESSIE at her dissertation defense next week! Taking place on July 13, 9:30 am at Reitz Union 3310 or Zoom, hear about Amanda’s research on the biogeochemical cycling of nutrients in estuaries and its relationship with ecological resiliency.

Access the Zoom: bit.ly/4vSY6nw

07/01/2026

📢 The Water Institute Research Award and Dissertation Award are now open!
- enhance your research innovation with the Research Award and include new, interdisciplinary components
- be recognized for your contribution to water science research with the Dissertation Award and its two categories representing a wide range of disciplines

The awards are open to graduate students in any major who are conducting research on terrestrial water systems.

Learn more and apply: linktr.ee/ufwaterinstitute