Applications are open for Research Project Theme Leaders to guide collaborative research teams during the 2026 Water Prediction Innovators Summer Institute to be held June 8 - July 22, 2026, at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, AL.
As a Theme Leader, you will play a critical role in guiding student research projects and teams and ensuring a successful project-based learning experience. Theme Leaders support (or co-support) 1-3 project teams of 2-4 students each.
Theme Leaders gain experience working with the next generation of water researchers, shaping research projects aligned with national water prediction priorities, and lead collaborative, data-driven projects alongside other researchers.
In 2025, we celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Summer Institute, and 2026 marks another milestone as the 10th Summer Institute is hosted.
If you are eager to support the next generation of water researchers, we encourage you to apply.
The deadline to apply is December 1st, 2025
More information about this year's SI can be found here.
Possible Research Themes for the 2026 Summer Institute:
- Advancing the Next Generation National Hydrologic Modeling
- Advancing Risk Communication and Public Engagement in Hydrologic Hazards
- Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence Applications in Hydrological Predictions
- Developing Novel Hydroinformatics Tools, Services, and Datasets to Support Operational Frameworks
- Innovations in Flood Inundation Mapping for Operational Forecasting
A successful applicant will demonstrate:
- Expertise in a relevant research area aligned with water prediction science or a relevant subject matter.
- Experience and enthusiasm for mentoring students and supporting student growth and learning.
- Interest in collaborative science and experience leading a team.
- Commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive community of Summer Institute fellows and alumni.
- Willingness to develop new research projects aligned with program themes alongside program organizers and other theme leaders.
- Relevant theme-related project ideas and supporting data and resources.
Eligible applicants must:
- Be active members of the scientific community with relevant research experience.
- Have experience leading collaborative scientific projects.
- Be based in the U.S. and affiliated with a U.S. institution or entity.
We are committed to creating a collaborative and inclusive Summer Institute. We believe a diverse and inclusive community is essential for promoting innovation, equity, and excellence in the water sciences and related fields. To this end, we seek candidates for the Theme Leader position who share our commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion within our community.
We are committed to making the Summer Institute program inclusive and accessible. Therefore, we can consider alternative arrangements for Theme Leaders on a case-by-case basis to accommodate those who may not be able to spend two consecutive weeks onsite at the beginning of the program. Please feel free to reach out to us to discuss specific ideas or needs during the application process.
We welcome applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and life experiences. Candidates from historically underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.
Please feel free to contact Julia Masterman (jmasterman@cuahsi.org) with any questions or concerns.