Workshop on Human Water Use, Decision Making, and Earth Systems Modeling

The Workshop on Human Water Use, Decision Making, and Earth Systems Modeling will focus on the representation of human impacts on the water cycle within the earth system, hydrology, and land models used for prediction and projections, and ultimately for management and planning of water resources. To advance understanding of the adequacy of the current representation of human impacts on the water cycle, dialogue amongst practitioners and researchers, across institutions and disciplines, is essential. The workshop goals are (1) to share research and modeling capabilities at the intersection of water use, models (earth system, land, hydrology), and decision making, (2) to identify knowledge gaps, and (3) to create a community of practice and a convergence framework

The topics to be discussed at the workshop may include, but are not limited to:

• Representation(s) of human water-use in Earth System, land, hydrologic, and water management models

• Information needs across scales for water resource decision making

• Water use data, including the current state of water use data governance, use of data in decision making, new observational capabilities, and data gaps

• The usability of models for decision making (management, planning, governance)

• The predictability of the hydrologic cycle under increased socioeconomic demand and changing environmental conditions

• Interdisciplinary and convergence research for water systems analysis that includes human impacts to the water cycle.

Recognizing that there are different contexts, decisions, and governance practices spanning water management and planning at different scales, elements of the workshop will aim to differentiate use cases based on decision time horizons and spatial scales. For example, models can inform decisions from seasonal or interannual scales to multi-decadal time horizons. This workshop will offer opportunities for identifying synergies that could lead to modeling advances and improved model integration of water management in a variety of applications. This is made possible through convergence across modeling, research, and practitioner communities.

The workshop will feature an engaging two-day program combining keynote and paper presentations, lightning talks, a poster session, and interactive breakout group and plenary discussions around key emerging topics. It will include opportunities for participants to present their work  and to identify future research directions and collaborative opportunities. There is no registration fee to attend the workshop. Limited funding is available for travel support.

The workshop will be held in a hybrid format so remote participation is also available. 

Important dates: 

Registration deadline: August 15, 2025

Abstract submission deadline: August 15, 2025

Program announced: September 16, 2025