Sichuan University

State Key Laboratory of Hydraulics and Mountain River Engineering

Established in 1988 and officially inaugurated in 1992, the State Key Laboratory of Hydraulics and Mountain River Engineering (SKLH) stands as one of China’s earliest research institutions dedicated to inland water resources and hydropower engineering. In 2005, the laboratory adopted its current name, marking a successful transition from traditional water conservancy and hydropower engineering to a broader focus on engineering construction and ecological environment protection in mountainous basins. To further strengthen its role as a national strategic hub for scientific and technological innovation, the laboratory underwent reorganization in March 2023, enhancing its capabilities in the protection and governance of mountain rivers.

Currently, the laboratory’s research focuses on three key areas: evolution and functional preservation of mountain rivers, ecological conservation and sustainable management of mountain river systems, and disaster prevention and risk mitigation in mountainous regions. Over the years, the laboratory has led numerous high-impact national research initiatives, including over 90 National "973" and "863" Programs, National Science and Technology Support Programs, National Key Research and Development Programs, and key programs of National Natural Science Foundation of China, alongside over 300 major hydropower projects. Its scientific breakthroughs have been widely applied in China’s major hydropower basins, addressing critical technological challenges and contributing significantly to the sustainable development of water resources in mountainous regions.