IDRT has been actively fostering and strengthening its relationship with researchers from the Netherlands, leading to fruitful collaborations and mutual learning. The Dutch researchers, renowned for their expertise in coastal engineering, have found IDRT’s proficiency in Hazard Analytics, Risk Communication, Policy and Decision Support, Education, and Coastal Risk Reduction to be a valuable complement.

As a longstanding member of I-STORM, IDRT had the privilege of hosting the I-STORM Next Gen meeting in Galveston, TX—the first occurrence in the United States. I-STORM serves as an international knowledge sharing network for professionals in the storm surge barrier industry, and the Next Gen meeting, a working group within I-STORM, aims to attract and retain new talent, foster diversity, expand the network, and facilitate the inclusion of newcomers. This extended network plays a vital role in fostering collaboration among the next generations of researchers and practitioners dedicated to coastal protection.

Following the successful I-STORM Next Gen meeting, IDRT organized a Spring Symposium titled “Designing Comprehensive Solutions to Multiple Flooding Threats.” The objective of this symposium was to foster research innovation, collaboration, and networking among U.S. and Dutch partners, shaping the next generation of advancements. Sponsored by the Hagler Institute, the symposium witnessed active participation from numerous Dutch experts representing Delft University of Technology, Rijkswaterstaat, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, and the Netherlands Business Support Office in Texas.

In addition to our Dutch partners, the symposium featured distinguished presenters and expert panelists from IDRT, Texas A&M University Galveston, Rice University, and Defacto Urbanism, who shared the stage to discuss their research, ideas, and noteworthy achievements.