Emerging Directions in Socio-Hydrology: Policy, Practice & Communication

This Research Topic is part of a series of article collections published within Frontiers in Water including:
- Emerging Directions in Socio-Hydrology: Digital, Big Data & AI
- Emerging Directions in Socio-Hydrology: Policy, Practice & Communication
- Emerging Directions in Socio-Hydrology: Climate Adaptation and Transformation


Socio-hydrology has developed as an interdisciplinary field aimed at understanding the dynamic feedbacks between human societies and water systems. While significant progress has been made in conceptualizing and modeling these interactions, translating socio-hydrological knowledge into practical action remains a major challenge. Water-related decisions are shaped not only by hydrological processes but also by governance structures, stakeholder perceptions, communication practices, and institutional frameworks. Effective engagement between scientists, policymakers, practitioners, and communities is therefore essential for addressing complex water challenges such as floods, droughts, water scarcity, and climate adaptation. At the same time, the increasing demand for evidence-based decision-making highlights the need for socio-hydrological research to be communicated in ways that are accessible, transparent, and relevant to diverse audiences. Strengthening the connection between scientific insights, policy processes, and public engagement is therefore critical not only for advancing the societal impact of socio-hydrology but also for moving towards more resilient socio-ecological water systems.

The goal of this Research Topic is to explore how socio-hydrological knowledge can be effectively translated into policy, practice, and public engagement to support more sustainable and inclusive water management. Despite the growing recognition of human–water feedbacks, many socio-hydrological insights remain confined to academic literature and are not sufficiently integrated into real-world decision-making processes. Bridging this gap requires stronger collaboration between researchers, water managers, policymakers, and communities, as well as improved communication of complex scientific knowledge.

This Research Topic seeks to bring together interdisciplinary contributions that examine how socio-hydrological research can inform governance frameworks, decision-support systems, and participatory processes. It also aims to highlight innovative approaches to science communication, storytelling, visualization, and public engagement that make socio-hydrological concepts accessible to broader audiences. By emphasizing co-production of knowledge and inclusive engagement with stakeholders, the topic aims to promote actionable socio-hydrological research that supports resilient and equitable water management in a changing world.

This Research Topic welcomes contributions that examine the role of socio-hydrology in informing water governance, management practices, and science communication. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to: co-production of knowledge with water managers and communities; application of socio-hydrological insights to water allocation, risk management, and adaptation planning; participatory governance and decision-support systems; and the role of communication, visualization, and storytelling in translating complex socio-hydrological models into accessible knowledge. Contributions exploring citizen science, social media, and community-based monitoring in human–water systems are also encouraged.

We welcome Original Research Articles, Systematic Review Articles, Policy and Practice Reviews, Methods papers, Community Case Studies, and Perspectives that address the interface between socio-hydrological research, governance, and communication. Interdisciplinary contributions that connect hydrology, social sciences, policy studies, and stakeholder engagement are particularly encouraged.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Community Case Study
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Community Case Study
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Policy Brief
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Water Governance, Participatory Water Management, Science Communication, Decision-Support Systems, Citizen Science

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.