TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The University of Alabama continues to strengthen its position as a national leader in water research, earning top recognition in the latest U.S. News & World Report Best Global Universities subject rankings.
UA ranked No. 13 in the United States and No. 100 globally in Water Resources, placing the University among the world’s leading institutions advancing research and innovation related to water science, forecasting, security and management.
“The University has seen an incredible rise in its national reputation, fueled by its rapid research growth and commitment to solving real-world challenges,” said Dr. Bryan W. Boudouris, vice president for research.
“Our leadership in water research is a clear example, with strong federal collaborations that are positioning UA at the forefront of water science and policy.”
Research Driving National Recognition
The recognition highlights the growth of UA’s water enterprise. The University is home to the Alabama Water Institute and its research entities: the Global Water Security Center, or GWSC, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Cooperative Institute for Research to Operations in Hydrology, or CIROH, and the CONSERVE Research Group.
Researchers within AWI contribute to nationally significant projects related to hydrology, artificial intelligence, engineering, ecology, atmospheric science and water security. Their work supports operational forecasting, ecosystem restoration, flood resilience and water management efforts at regional, national and global scales.
“Since my arrival on campus in late 2020, I have seen the tremendous growth of the water research enterprise at the University,” said GWSC Director Mike Gremillion. “We’ve seen significant progress and made measurable impact from the state and local level to the national level and even at the global level, in such a short time. I’m excited to see what the future holds for water research here in Tuscaloosa.”
In recent years, the University has continued expanding its national presence through major research initiatives and partnerships, including CIROH, a NOAA-funded 28-member consortium led by UA that works to improve water prediction and forecasting capabilities across the country. The GWSC also supports national security efforts through partnerships with the U.S. Department of War and other national security partners. CONSERVE collaborates with federal agencies including the DOW, NOAA, U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on projects related to ecosystem restoration, conservation and water resource management.
A Unique Water Research Ecosystem
AWI, the NOAA National Water Center and the USGS Hydrologic Instrumentation Facility are all located on the UA campus, helping establish a one-of-a-kind ecosystem for water research, operations and workforce development often referred to as “WaterTown, USA.”
The University has also continued expanding its statewide water research footprint through initiatives such as the Critical Response and Information Management System for Operational Needs, or CRIMSON, Water Initiative, which will connect communities with water forecasting, planning and resilience tools through the upcoming UA Wiregrass Hub in Enterprise.
The ranking reflects not only UA’s growing research output, but also its increasing role in connecting science, operations and real-world water solutions.
Faculty Advancing Water Science
Faculty researchers approach water challenges through a collaborative academic lens, bridging expertise from engineering, geography, biology and several other fields to better understand and address complex water issues impacting communities, ecosystems and infrastructure.
That interdisciplinary approach has become a defining part of UA’s water research identity, allowing researchers to work alongside federal agencies, industry partners and local communities to address increasingly complex water-related challenges.
Workforce Development and Student Training
There are also extensive opportunities for students and early-career scientists. Students regularly engage in hands-on training, operational forecasting activities, field experiences and collaborative research alongside academic, federal and industry experts.
Programs such as the Water Prediction Innovators Summer Institute, USGS FLOW Academy and Research Experiences for Undergraduates continue to train the next generation of water scientists and decision-makers while drawing students and researchers from across the country to Tuscaloosa.
The National Science Foundation Water-R2O Research Traineeship program has also become a major part of that effort, immersing graduate students in operational hydrology, forecasting and real-world water management opportunities. Recent cohorts have trained alongside faculty and experts while participating in field experiences across the Southeast and international research collaborations throughout Europe.
The rankings are based on research performance indicators, including publications, citations and global research reputation. The Water Resources rankings reflect research output from 2019-2023 and citations through late 2024.
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The Alabama Water Institute is one of The University of Alabama’s research institutes. AWI acts as a forum for interdisciplinary research and education by bringing together University researchers, students and staff to foster collaboration and a broad interdisciplinary focus on water issues that face our world today. AWI-affiliated researchers specialize in hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, water security and quality, remote sensing, biodiversity and watershed management and human health through synergies with AWI research programs, including the NOAA Cooperative Institute for Research to Operations in Hydrology, the Global Water Security Center and the CONSERVE Research Group.