Twenty Years of Impact: A New Annual Report and Website
With the release of its 2025-2026 Annual Report and redesigned website, the Water Institute is showcasing its 20 years of interdisciplinary, water-focused research, education, and outreach to understand and solve complex water challenges.
The UF Water Institute 2025-2026 Annual Report highlights its efforts to convene interdisciplinary, multi-stakeholder talent to advance towards a sustainable and equitable water future. With four research projects totaling approximately $15 million and seven proposals coordinated and developed by faculty across the University of Florida and beyond, the Water Institute is building new collaborations across the state. These collaborations are also seen in the Water Institute’s new working groups, convening scientists, end users, government agencies, private sector organizations, and more to develop actionable solutions.
This year also highlights the 2026 Water Institute Biennial Symposium, which was the first to take place over three days. Featuring over 500 participants, this symposium introduced new features to expand opportunities for engagement, networking, and knowledge exchange. The Water Institute also continued to provide workforce development opportunities for students through awards, academic programs, and notably the UF Water Scholars program. With interdisciplinary faculty-graduate student teams, the members conduct research to address complex water challenges. The program is in its sixth cohort, having supported 41 students overall and with over nine million in secured funding. Learn more about the Water Institute’s impact by accessing the 2025-2026 Annual Report here.
To better serve faculty, students, partners, and other stakeholders, the Water Institute launched a redesigned website. The updated website provides easier access to research projects, affiliate faculty, educational and professional opportunities, and information about the Institute’s efforts to advance innovative solutions for a sustainable water future.
New pages tailored to faculty, students, and external partners provide streamlined access to relevant information and resources. The site also features The Conduit, an AI-powered chatbot developed by UF graduate student Kevin Scroggins to help users find relevant Water Institute expertise, projects, and resources.
Together, the annual report and redesigned website showcase the Water Institute’s impact while expanding access to the people, expertise, and partnerships needed to address tomorrow’s water challenges.