The International Society for River Science (ISRS) exists to foster and develop scholarship in all disciplines contributing to knowledge and wise stewardship of rivers and streams as vital natural and managed ecosystems. Membership is open to all persons and groups with interests in river science and a willingness to become both an active participant in ISRS and a supporter of its basic goals.
ISRS is a global society without political, national, or other social or cultural affiliations. The society will strive to maintain an international reputation as a highly reliable and independent source of information and advice on river science and related environmental issues. To retain that independence, ISRS will not participate as an advocate on environmental issues.
Our society seeks to promote:
- A basic understanding of the structure (biological, chemical, and physical) and functioning of lotic ecosystems, particularly rivers, through disciplines contributing to the emerging, integrative field of river science; these include, but are not limited to, aquatic and floodplain ecology, civil and environmental engineering, environmental chemistry, environmental policy, fisheries, geographic information systems analysis, geomorphology, hydrology, landscape ecology, mathematical modelling, river conservation and rehabilitation, social sciences and economics, technology applied to river management, and water quality studies.
- Wise stewardship of our natural resources and informed environmental policy, especially as each relates to streams and rivers;
- A strong role in the professional development of river scientists, including students and early-career members who wish to be involved in society activities as participants and leaders;
- Education and training, by encouraging the free exchange of ideas and factual material among teachers, students, and others;
- Communication among members, using the internet, scientific journals, and science conferences