Linking Helmholtz Knowledge on Water Extremes

On June 30 and July 1, 2025, the HydroExtremes Synthesis Workshop took place in Karlsruhe, coordinated by Peter Knippertz and Harald Kunstmann as part of the Helmholtz SynCom Project. About 40 researchers from six Helmholtz Centres came together to compile numerical and AI/hybrid modeling approaches as well as available datasets related to hydro-meteorological extremes within the Helmholtz community. This inventory was aligned along the entire process chain of hydro-meteorological events. A highlight was the contribution from the Erftverband, offering practical insights into water risk management. In the discussions, research gaps, potential for cooperation, and strategies for stakeholder engagement were addressed.

The following Helmholtz Centres participated:

• Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research (AWI)
• Forschungszentrum Jülich (FZJ)
• GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences (incl. Research Institute for Sustainability (RIFS))
• Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon (incl. Climate Service Center Germany – GERICS)
• Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)
• Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ)

The workshop will result in a joint synthesis report, highlighting the strengths of Helmholtz water research in the field of hydrometeorological extreme events and identifying new pathways for future collaboration.