Global Institute for Water Security

What Global Institute for Water Security does

The Global Institute for Water Security (GIWS) is a university-based research institute within the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, Canada, focused on protecting freshwater resources, mitigating water-related disasters, anticipating global change, and co-creating research with Indigenous Peoples. It is positioned as the #1 water resources research institute in Canada and one of the most advanced hydrology research centres in the world. The institute combines remote sensing, numerical modeling, and field monitoring through the Global Water Futures Observatories network, which operates sensor-based water quality monitoring infrastructure across Canadian landscapes including Buffalo Pound Lake. GIWS also pursues a distinctive coupled systems research methodology that integrates social and environmental systems to study water-human health and the integration of Traditional Knowledge with modern science.

GIWS does not operate a commercial revenue model; instead, it is funded through University of Saskatchewan allocations, research grants, and donor contributions. Its product portfolio centers on research output (peer-reviewed publications, the Global Water Futures program, the GWF Observatories network), academic programs (Water Security Graduate Program, Water Resources Certificate, FWNET), and community-building initiatives (Women Plus Water, GIWS Students and Young Researchers). Its stakeholder base spans academic and research communities, Indigenous communities engaging in co-created research, and government and policy makers seeking evidence-based water and climate policy input. Distribution occurs through academic publications, the Global Water Futures collaborative network, the Women Plus Water expert list and mentorship circles, and an active social media presence.

The institute is led by Executive Director Dr. Corinne Schuster-Wallace and Associate Director Brooke Klassen, supported by an Outreach and Engagement Officer, a Data and Digital Infrastructure Coordinator, and student leadership. Strategic institutional partnerships include McMaster University, University of Waterloo, Wilfrid Laurier University, the University of Saskatchewan College of Arts and Science, the National Hydrology Research Centre, and the GWF Young Professionals Network. The Women Plus Water initiative has grown to reach over 2,000 registrants across 45 countries since its 2018 launch, with more than 50 speakers and 20+ young professional hosts contributing.

Name

Global Institute for Water Security

Legal name

Global Institute for Water Security

Website

https://water.usask.ca

Company type

Private

Founded year

2011

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

The Global Institute for Water Security (GIWS) is a University of Saskatchewan research institute conducting advanced hydrology research, operating water monitoring observatories, and co-creating research with Indigenous communities. It serves academic researchers, governments, and students through programs like Global Water Futures and Women Plus Water.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Water Resources Research

NAICS

Geophysical Surveying and Mapping Services (54136), Geophysical Surveying and Mapping Services (541360)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYEUAHAKAF

Water Quality & Watershed/Hydrologic Modeling (SWMM/HEC-RAS, Flood/Runoff/Nutrient)

Energy, Utilities & Environment/Environmental Compliance, Monitoring & Consulting/Environmental Data Management, Modeling & GIS/Remote Sensing

SECONDARYEUAHAKAC

Geospatial Data Management & Enterprise GIS (Geodatabases, Web GIS, Spatial Analytics)

Energy, Utilities & Environment/Environmental Compliance, Monitoring & Consulting/Environmental Data Management, Modeling & GIS/Remote Sensing

SECONDARYEUAHAKAD

Remote Sensing & Earth Observation Analytics (Satellite/UAV/LiDAR, Image Processing)

Energy, Utilities & Environment/Environmental Compliance, Monitoring & Consulting/Environmental Data Management, Modeling & GIS/Remote Sensing

SECONDARYBPAMANAK

GIS & Spatial Data Management Platforms

Business & Public Services/Web, Mobile & Digital Platforms/Maps, Location & Navigation Platforms

Keywords

• Water security research
• Hydrology research services
• Freshwater monitoring systems
• Water resources modeling
• Environmental science education

Headquarters

HQ city

Saskatoon

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Infrastructure, Others

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

GIWS is a university-based research institute that conducts advanced hydrology and water security research using remote sensing, numerical modelling, and field monitoring through the Global Water Futures Observatories network. It delivers graduate academic programs in water security and water resources, operates the Women Plus Water international community and expert list, and co-creates water research with Indigenous Peoples integrating Traditional Knowledge with modern science.

Product overview

The Global Institute for Water Security (GIWS) is a university-based research institute that functions as an integrated portfolio of water security research programs and educational initiatives. The core institute (GIWS) serves as the central hub, supported by complementary programs including Global Water Futures (GWF) for large-scale collaborative research, Women Plus Water for diversity and professional development, and the GIWS Students and Young Researchers (SYR) organization for community building. Academic offerings include graduate programs in Water Security and Water Resources, along with specialized training programs like the Food-Water Nexus Education and Training (FWNET). The Women Plus Water Expert List provides a knowledge-sharing platform. Together, these offerings form a comprehensive ecosystem addressing water security through research, education, professional development, and community engagement.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Women Plus Water: An international community which increases the visibility of women in water and engages people through an annual lecture series, an expert list, and mentorship opportunities to learn about the gendered impacts of water research, management, and decision-making.
• GIWS Students and Young Researchers (GIWS-SYR)
• Global Water Futures

Products and services

• Global Institute for Water Security (GIWS) The core research institute at the University of Saskatchewan serving as Canada's #1 water resources research institute and one of the world's most advanced hydrology research centers, dedicated to protecting water resources, mitigating water-related disasters, anticipating global change through advanced modeling, and co-creating research with Indigenous Peoples.
• Global Water Futures (GWF) Program A major collaborative research program led by GIWS and the GWF Observatories network, focused on addressing water security challenges through collaborative research, monitoring, and forecasting in coldland regions.
• Women Plus Water An international community hosted by GIWS that increases visibility of women in water through an annual conversation series, expert list, and mentorship opportunities, exploring gendered impacts of water research, management, and decision-making.
• Water Security Graduate Program A graduate program at the University of Saskatchewan's School of Environment and Sustainability that trains students to address complex global water security issues through science, engineering, and policy analysis.
• Water Resources Certificate A graduate certificate program focusing on foundational knowledge in water resource and hydrological theory, data analysis, and modeling.
• Food-Water Nexus Education and Training (FWNET) An NSERC CREATE graduate training program (MSc & PhD) providing an interdisciplinary foundation to address global food-water security issues through integrated education and research.
• GIWS Students and Young Researchers (SYR) A student-led organization cultivating an inclusive and unified water community of young professionals at the University of Saskatchewan, focusing on five pillars: knowledge mobilization, equity/diversity/inclusion, community engagement, student well-being advocacy, and showcasing water research.
• Women Plus Water Expert List A public-facing expert list connecting water professionals globally, designed to facilitate opportunities for individuals to share research and expertise on gender and water-related topics.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 2000 registrants engaged across 45 countries through Women Plus Water initiative since 2020
• +1 more outcomes

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered major and core.

• GWF Young Professionals NetworkmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020Partner network supporting young professionals in water research, contributing to Women Plus Water events and initiatives.
• McMaster UniversitymajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018Core partner in supporting Women Plus Water events and the broader Global Water Futures research network.
• University of WaterloomajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018Core partner supporting Women Plus Water lecture series and Global Water Futures activities.
• Wilfrid Laurier UniversitymajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018Core partner supporting Women Plus Water initiatives and Global Water Futures research network.
• Global Water Futures (GWF)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGIWS helps lead the Global Water Futures program and the GWF Observatories network, representing a flagship partnership for the institute. GWF is one of Canada's largest water research initiatives.
• College of Arts and Science, University of SaskatchewancoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-host of Women Plus Water Conversations series with GIWS, supporting inclusive water research dialogue.
• Global Water Futures ObservatoriescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGIWS leads the GWF Observatories network, providing water monitoring infrastructure and data across Canadian landscapes.
• National Hydrology Research CentrecoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerSaskatchewan-based research facility where GIWS conducts laboratory operations and hosts mentorship circle events.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• CSIRO (Water Research): CSIRO is Australia's national science agency with major water and hydrology research programs. Comparable to GIWS as a national-scale public research institute conducting hydrology, climate, and water resource research.
• KWR Water Research Institute: KWR is a Dutch research institute focused on water cycle innovation, water quality, and smart water systems. Comparable to GIWS in its applied hydrology and water quality research orientation, with a closer commercial / utility-collaboration model.
• International Water Management Institute (IWMI): IWMI is a CGIAR research institute focused on water management for agriculture and food security in the developing world. Comparable to GIWS in its water-food nexus research, modelling, and policy advisory work, though with a global development focus.
• Eawag: Eawag is the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, a globally leading water research institute. It is comparable to GIWS in its focus on water quality, hydrology, and ecosystems research, and is a direct peer in the global water research community.
• Deltares: Deltares is an applied research institute in the Netherlands specializing in water, subsurface, and infrastructure. It is highly comparable to GIWS as a peer water research organization with strong modelling and field-monitoring capabilities, though it operates more commercially and on a larger scale.

Direct peers

• Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI): SIWI is a non-profit water policy and research institute hosting World Water Week and applied water research. Comparable to GIWS in its water security focus, convening role, and policy-oriented research output.
• US National Water Research Institute (NWRI): NWRI is a US-based water research institute affiliated with WateReuse that funds and coordinates research on water reuse, supply, and quality. Comparable to GIWS as a national water research coordinating body with industry and government partnerships.
• IIASA Water Program: IIASA is an international research institute in Austria with a water security research program. Comparable to GIWS in its integrated systems modelling approach to water and global change, operating at a global scale.
• United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH): UNU-INWEH is a UN think-tank based in Canada focused on water security and global change. Directly comparable to GIWS — GIWS's Executive Director previously served as Senior Research Fellow there — and they collaborate on water security research.

Regional players

• Water Research Australia: Water Research Australia is an industry-led collaborative research organization serving Australian water utilities. Comparable to GIWS in its applied hydrology partnerships with utilities, though focused on Australian water sector stakeholders.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/usask_water
• YouTubeyoutube.com/usaskgiws
• Facebookfacebook.com/UofSWater
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/global-institute-for-water-security
• Instagraminstagram.com/usask_water

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Global Institute for Water Security