Farhad Bahmanpouri
Tell us about yourself:
I hold a PhD in Civil Engineering – Hydraulic Engineering from the University of Napoli Federico II, Italy, in collaboration with the University of Queensland, Australia. I also have a BSc in Water Engineering and an MSc in Hydraulic Engineering from the University of Tehran, Iran. Since September 2020, I have been working as a postdoctoral researcher at the Research Institute for Geo-Hydrological Protection, National Research Council of Italy (CNR-IRPI), focusing on river hydrodynamics, sediment transport, and flood risk assessment.
What is your research about?
My research focuses on understanding river hydrodynamics and sediment transport using a combination of field measurements, numerical modeling, and statistical analysis. I develop entropy-based models to estimate cross-sectional velocity, discharge, and sediment transport from surface velocity data collected with UAVs or radar. This approach provides a safe and effective way to study rivers during floods and in remote or inaccessible locations, helping improve flood risk assessment and river management.
What excites you about your research?
I am excited by the challenge of understanding complex river dynamics and finding practical ways to measure and predict them. Developing non-contact methods using UAVs and radar to estimate velocity, discharge, and sediment transport allows me to study rivers in extreme conditions, such as floods or remote locations, where traditional measurements are impossible. Knowing that my work can improve flood risk assessment and contribute to safer, more resilient communities motivates me every day.
What broader importance does your research have for society?
My research helps improve understanding and prediction of river behavior during floods and extreme events. By providing accurate estimates of river discharge, velocity, and sediment transport—even in remote or hazardous areas—my work supports better flood risk assessment, infrastructure planning, and water resource management. This is particularly valuable for developing countries, where access to reliable field measurements is often limited. I have applied my methods in international projects in countries such as India and Algeria, helping to improve flood resilience in diverse contexts. Ultimately, it contributes to safer, more resilient communities and informed decision-making in the face of changing climate and extreme hydrological events.
What inspired you to pursue a career in Earth Science?
I have always been fascinated by fluid mechanics and the mathematical principles behind it. During my studies, I became particularly passionate about applying these concepts to hydraulic engineering, where theory meets real-world challenges. This led me to work on projects focused on rivers, combining field measurements, numerical modeling, and statistical analysis to understand hydrodynamics, sediment transport, and flood behavior. The possibility of using fluid mechanics and mathematics to improve flood prediction, manage river systems, and enhance community resilience inspired me to pursue a career in Earth Science.
What are you looking to do after you complete your PhD or postdoc?
After completing my postdoctoral research, I aim to continue advancing my work as a researcher at a university or research institute, where I can pursue innovative studies in hydrology and hydraulic engineering. At the same time, I am interested in applying my expertise in hydraulic and hydrological modeling in industry, contributing to real-world projects that address river management, flood risk, and water resource challenges. Balancing academic research and practical applications allows me to maximize both scientific impact and societal benefit.
Given unlimited funding and access to resources, what is your dream project that you would pursue?
Given unlimited funding and access to resources, my dream project would be to develop a comprehensive, real-time river monitoring and predictive system for floods and sediment transport. I would combine UAV and radar-based remote sensing, in-situ measurements, advanced numerical modeling, and machine learning to map river hydrodynamics and morphodynamics at high resolution. The system would provide accurate, timely predictions of river behavior during extreme events, support flood risk management, and be applicable to rivers in both developed and developing countries. This would not only advance scientific understanding but also help protect communities and infrastructure worldwide.
What else do you do? Any hobbies or interests outside of work?
Outside of work, I love traveling and exploring nature, which inspires my curiosity and creativity. I enjoy reading scientific journals to keep up with the latest research and following emerging technologies. I am also passionate about sports, especially football, and I regularly go to the gym to stay active and fit.
Email: farhadbahmanpouri@cnr.it
Website: https://www.linkedin.com/in/farhad-bahmanpouri-ph-d-7a209358/