Coordinated Research Projects (CRP)

Advancing the Field through Research

The IAEA's Coordinated Research Projects (CRPs) support international research efforts to develop new scientific approaches on relevant themes. Specific CRPs in the water resources sector are developed and supported by the Water Resources Programme, with select teams assembled for each project. Scientists are brought together from developed and developing nations to exchange knowledge and to enhance research capabilities while working on themes of common interest. Some recent examples include the use isotope techniques to assess submarine groundwater discharge, the characterization of pollutant behaviour in the unsaturated zone and the use of isotopes to aid understanding of the effects of long-term exploitation of groundwater.

The IAEA also grants research contracts to universities, research centres and other Member State institutions when innovative research is proposed that will advance the field of isotope hydrology. The Water Resources Programme organizes technical meetings to bring together Member State institutions and other UN agencies to explore water issues of international concern that are beyond the scope of national research institutions.

The IAEA also provides financial support for conferences held in developing countries. These meetings help to educate participants in state-of-the-art practices in the field and provide a forum for scientific discussion.