Within the SHF, the objective of the New Knowledge and Tools Division is to promote cross-disciplinary methodological thinking in hydraulics and water-related fields, while working closely with the SHF’s other divisions.
The main themes are modelling and associated tools. The division’s ambition is to address complex physical processes in their economic and social context. With the joint development of numerical methods and intensive computing resources, numerical modelling is becoming an essential tool in the three areas of the water cycle: uses, protection of natural hydrosystems and prevention of major water-related natural hazards. The need to manage increasingly complex systems and environments requires a holistic approach that must gradually integrate the various thematic simulation tools that have been developed over the last two decades. The growth in computing capacity – computing clusters – means that it is now possible both to run deterministic models and to develop real-time management systems.
One of the major challenges for the various water-related fields is undoubtedly the development and gradual construction of a coherent Information System that can ensure greater efficiency in management as well as the interoperability of the various solutions. This long-term construction process requires a review of certain traditional engineering concepts and the development of multidisciplinary collaborations in order to rebuild the water sciences.
Through its activities (conferences, publications, prizes, working groups), the SHF is contributing to this vast project by offering a forum for exchange and construction for professionals, scientists, decision-makers and, of course, users.
Several recurring conferences, such as SimHydro, provide an opportunity to discuss cross-disciplinary themes that bring together practitioners, researchers and managers. These events are organised jointly with the other divisions of the SHF and also in partnership with other French and international organisations such as the AFM, the AIRH, the ASCE and the CSCE. These conferences are combined with a proactive publication policy to ensure that ideas and results are widely disseminated on an international scale.
Water-related professions are changing rapidly, particularly with the advent of information and communication technologies, which are spreading to all professional sectors. These new methods and tools offer the possibility of improving the various services linked to water and, at the same time, require us to rethink certain traditional engineering approaches by introducing, for example, concepts such as resilience into risk management or asset management. These new challenges are at the heart of the SHF’s activities, and it aims to encourage the emergence of innovative solutions.
In addition to its regular activities, the New Knowledge and Tools Division wishes to undertake activities that can be included in the training cycle of future professionals in the water sector. To this end, the various conferences organised include special arrangements for students and trainees. This dynamic should be strengthened with the introduction of online seminars (webinars), which can offer the opportunity to access information and exchange ideas quickly. The aim of these actions is to broaden the SHF’s audience and enrich it with new ideas in line with the expectations of the professional world of the water sector.
