Water institute celebrates 60 years

The water institute has been directed by academics across the UC system, beginning with Martin Huberty in the 1950s, John Letey in the 1990s and Doug Parker currently.

The California Institute for Water Resources is celebrating its 60th anniversary.

To commemorate the changes and achievements of the institute, FaithKearns,CIWR academic coordinator II, wrote a Q&A with Doug Parker, CIWR director and leader of the Water Quality, Quantity, and Security Strategic Initiative.

Originally located at UCLA in 1957 and directed by Martin Huberty, over the years, the multi-campus research unit moved between the UC Berkeley, UC Davis, and UC Riverside campuses.

In 2011, ANR renamed UC Water Resources Center the California Institute for Water Resources and established its headquarters at the UC Office of the President in Oakland, where it remains today.

“The initial mission of the institute still stands: to integrate California's research, extension, and education programs to develop research-based solutions to water resource challenges,” Parker said. “In practice, we work across all kinds of institutions and provide educational programs through direct contact, web-based programs, and social media to increase understanding of complex water issues while also trying to diversify the conversation about water within our state.”

To read more about CIWR activities and key water issues that Parker sees ahead for the state, visit //ucanr.edu/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=25648.

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