It could be argued that a hydrologist is not merely a scientist but also a technologist or engineer who must manage water resources. This broader perspective expands the scope of our work to include the many aspects of life where water plays a crucial role—agriculture, urban planning, energy production, and more. Effective water management requires not only technical expertise but also the ability to address risks associated with floods, droughts, and the development of policies that consider the social dimensions of these challenges. Achieving long-term success in water management also demands the consensus and cooperation of the public, highlighting the importance of sociological considerations.
These technological aspects, often applied directly to end-users, rely heavily on the foundational processes that science has uncovered and translated into models. While it is common to build upon established scientific knowledge, it is also essential for practitioners to bridge the gap between basic science and practical applications. In many cases, this is not only convenient—such as when seeking grants and research support—but also necessary. The needs of society often dictate the direction of research, guiding scientists to gather and interpret the data required to address pressing issues. The current state of the art is particularly promising, as modern technologies have provided an unprecedented amount of data that must be harnessed effectively.
For academics, contributing new insights into these "more technical" but equally important topics remains a vital pursuit. Scholarly publications are expected to offer something novel, potentially groundbreaking, in their approach. Regardless the focus being on technological/practical applications, scientific rigor, the appropriate use of tools, and the reproducibility of results are mandatory. For who wants to publish on these topics, the fundamental question always persists: Why is this work important? What is the ultimate goal?
Engineering big applications in water management encompass several critical areas, including the infrastructure for water discovery, transportation, and supply, as well as defense against water-related risks and their interactions with other hazards. These applications often transcend traditional engineering disciplines. Key concepts include adopting nature-based solutions and ensuring equity in both access to resources and protection from hazards.
When considering the broader implications of scientific advancements, it's important to recognize that certain tools and knowledge are often taken for granted. Consider the analogy of cooking: some individuals focus on building the kitchen and tools (the hardware builders), while others use these tools to create meals (the chefs). The goals of hardware builders differ fundamentally from those of the chefs. The chef's ability to prepare a dish is sometimes constrained by the availability of the right tools.
Personally, I identify more with the role of the hardware builder than with that of the chef. This distinction implies a different exposure to success. Those who rely on models created by others, utilize remote sensing products, or apply pre-packaged machine learning tools are akin to chefs, but not all are master chefs—many are simply preparing everyday meals. This is not the goal of academic life. Academics should be like chefs who meticulously select ingredients, create innovative dishes, and focus on addressing significant problems. In other words, academics are not just practitioners; they pave new paths for practice, improving lives and advancing society.
Though my focus lies elsewhere, I recognize that these new technological solutions in water management are well-suited for scholarly publications and will garner significant interest, given water's central role in Earth's ecosystems, life and human activities.
At every stage of the process, whether building or cooking, technical precision and attention to detail are paramount. Consistency is essential. Achieving the state of the art in any discipline requires years of training, engagement with experts, deep problem-solving, and continuous practice. As with any endeavor, success in hydrology engineering and related fields requires a blend of talent (1%) and discipline (99%). As someone once said, it's 99% sweat.
No comments:
Post a Comment