The Water Institute has over 20 years of experience providing peer review, technical review, independent scientific review, and other forms of expert assistance. Through our work, we identify and prioritize critical water issues important to stakeholders, address the issue with a multidisciplinary focus, and make the information available to the public.
Examples of Independent Review
Assessment of Water-Related Benefits of the Florida Wildlife Corridor
The Archbold Biological Station and the Live Wildly Foundation requested the Water Institute to organize an expert panel and assess the statewide water benefits of the Florida Wildlife Corridor following a unanimous passing of a state bill supporting the effort.
Technical Review of Options to Move Water from Lake Okeechobee to the Everglades
In response to stakeholder concerns about the timing and completion of South Florida Ecosystem restoration, the Florida Senate authorized the UF Water Institute to conduct an independent technical review of options to reduce high volume freshwater flows to the St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee estuaries and move more water from Lake Okeechobee to the Everglades.
Examples of Expert Facilitation and Coordination
Red Tide State of the Science Symposium
The Water Institute provided facilitation and note-taking assistance to Florida Sea Grant and UF/IFAS at their Nutrients and Red Tide in Florida: State of the Science Symposium. This invite-only symposium convened scientists to inform Florida’s HAB Task Force and guide research priorities to protect our state’s waters.
Conservation Hub for Economic Empowerment of Rural Stakeholders (CHEERS)
The CHEERS project brings together farmers, Extension agents, industry, agencies, and researchers from Florida, Georgia, and Alabama to transform underused winter farmland into climate systems that support climate smart systems. The Water Institute supports team integration and collaboration efforts through facilitated meetings and discussions.
Bridging the Gap: Integrating Water Resource Management and Ecosystem Science for Climate Adaptation in Florida
To connect leadership across water management, natural resource management, and climate sectors, the Water Institute will facilitate two workshops. These structured engagements will have participants identify research priorities to advance regionally relevant adaptation strategies contributing to climate data informed and integrated water and natural resource management.
Advisory Roles and Service
The Water Institute personnel contribute their expertise and service on key water-related initiatives across Florida and beyond. Recent examples include:
- National Academy of Sciences Independent Scientific Review of Everglades Restoration | Matt Cohen – Committee Member
- Public Issues Education (PIE) Center | Matt Cohen – Scientific and Extension Advisory Council
- Florida Forest Service | Matt Cohen – Best Management Practices Statewide Technical Advisory Committee
- Big Bend Estuary Restoration Team | Darlene Velez – Steering Committee
- Suwannee River Partnership | Darlene Velez – Steering Committee
- Nutrients and Red Tide in Florida: State of the Science Symposium | Darlene Velez – Facilitation Support
- UF Center for Remote Sensing | Paloma Carton de Grammont – Advisory Board
Collaborate With Us
Have a research project idea or need to utilize the Water Institute’s expert services?