University of Idaho water institute outlines statewide research priorities and advisory structure

Kendra Kaiser, director of the Idaho Water Resources Research Institute at the University of Idaho, briefed the committee on the institute’s mission, advisory structure and planned work to align academic research with state water-management needs.

Kaiser said the Water Resources Research Institutes were established by Congress in 1964 and that Idaho’s institute is housed at the University of Idaho. She listed three statutory priorities for the institutes: plan and coordinate research that benefits the state, support student professional development, and make research findings available to communities and water managers.

Since being hired, Kaiser said the institute has focused on stakeholder engagement, drafting a strategic plan and creating an advisory structure that includes an executive board (with state and federal agency representation, an industry seat and a nonprofit seat) and a research advisory committee of technical experts. That research advisory committee will compile a prioritized list of research needs that will guide staff time and faculty-supported projects.

Kaiser told senators the institute can help bridge a recurring gap: faculty want to do applied work for Idaho but often lack time or capacity to engage with stakeholders; the institute intends to be the intermediary. She said demand for research topics is high and that the institute is conducting outreach across the state.

Senators asked about ongoing modeling work on the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer (ESPA). Kaiser said the Idaho Department of Water Resources is the primary lead on updates to the ESPA model and that the institute is interested in supporting research opportunities that IDWR lacks capacity to pursue.

Senators thanked Kaiser for the briefing and the committee moved on to other agenda items.