ECI Water Initiative
Water connects nearly every environmental challenge facing society, from flooding and drought to water quality, public health, and infrastructure. Launched in fall 2026, the ECI Water Initiative brings together Notre Dame researchers working on these challenges to build new collaborations and expand the University's impact in water research.
Directed by Kyle Bibby, the ECI Water Initiative aims to strengthen Notre Dame's leadership in water research by building new faculty partnerships across campus and beyond. The initiative connects expertise in engineering, ecology, social sciences, policy, and more to tackle complex water problems that no single discipline can solve alone.
The initiative builds on the foundation of H2O@ND, a faculty group started in fall 2020 to foster community and lower the barriers to collaborative water research.
What We Do
Build new partnerships. We connect faculty, postdocs, and students across departments and with external partners to spark collaborations that would not otherwise happen.
Convene experts. We host convenings that bring together researchers, practitioners, and partners from around the country to address pressing water challenges and chart paths toward solutions.
Grow large-scale research. We support teams in developing ambitious, collaborative proposals that position Notre Dame to lead major water research efforts.
Support early-career researchers. In partnership with ND-ECI's Partial Postdoctoral Fellowship program, the ECI Water Initiative co-sponsors postdoctoral fellows conducting collaborative, water-focused research.
Get Involved
Notre Dame faculty interested in water research are invited to connect with the initiative. Contact Kyle Bibby at kbibby@nd.edu.