Deltares is an independent institute for applied research in the field of water and subsurface. Throughout the world, Deltares works on smart solutions, innovations and applications for people, environment and society. Their main focus is on deltas, coastal regions and river basins. Managing these densely populated and vulnerable areas is complex, which is why Deltares works closely with governments, businesses, other research institutes and universities at home and abroad. Their motto is Enabling Delta Life. As an applied research institute, the success of Deltares can be measured in the extent to which their expert knowledge can be used in and for society. For Deltares the quality of their expertise and advice comes first. Deltares employs over 800 people and is based in Delft and Utrecht.

Areas of Expertise
Flood Risk
Rising sea-levels, population growth and economic activity are driving an increase in demand for flood risk forecasting and possible protective measures. The research conducted by Deltares improves the precision of their assessments of dike strength, water-level predictions, wave heights and erosion, and allows for better risk appraisal. Their expertise covers the full scope of flood risk management: from risk calculations to practical support for making policy decisions.

Adaptive Planning
The main aim of the theme Adaptive Delta Planning is to integrate their technical knowledge on water, subsurface and infrastructure with governance and policy-making to solve problems in highly complex dynamic delta systems. The primary focus is therefore to develop and test concepts, methods and instruments to realize this goal. The theme naturally requires strong ties with all other themes of Deltares.
Infrastructure

In delta areas, more and more infrastructure is built on land and in the water. Building on or in the soft soil of deltas is not without risks. The same applies to structures on sea and river beds. Deltares research focuses on reducing costs and risks when building in coastal regions, soft ground and at sea. Innovative solutions are designed to make existing infrastructure climate change proof, if possible using natural processes.

Water & Subsoil Resources
The availability and use of water and soil resources will change in the decades to come. Supplies of fresh water will decline but demand will increase. In addition, Deltares are seeing a rapid rise in interest in the use of water and the subsurface as a source of sustainable energy. Deltares is mapping out the present and future availability of water to make it possible to plan for shortages and excesses.

Environment
Pressure on ecosystems and the environment is increasing as the population and the economy grow. At the same time, governments are becoming more ambitious in terms of improving soil and water quality, and there is increasing demand for ecosystem services. Deltares is developing knowledge about the quality of soil and water systems, and making that knowledge available through model and information systems for policymakers, managers and users.

Software Simulation Products and Solutions
Their experts as well as their clients apply their software simulation products and solutions in more than 140 countries in a great variety of commercial projects and research studies. This has resulted in much expertise and in-depth knowledge in an extensive field of applications.

Simulation software products, such as the Delft3D Flexible Mesh Suite (Delft3D FM) for modeling of coastal waters, estuaries, rivers, lakes, rural and urban areas, and D-Sheet Piling for the design of retaining walls, are especially designed for Consultants / Engineers, off the shelf available.

In addition, Deltares offers various solutions to focus on specific target groups. For Operational Forecasters, Deltares provides complete information and forecasting systems using Delft-FEWS in combination with any required simulation product. For Policymakers, the combination of the Touch Table with their simulation products, such as Delft3D FM, is a popular product. For presenting solutions to social relevant issues, Deltares offers governments dedicated viewers that can be combined with their simulation products for interactive applications.

Academy
Deltares Academy is Deltares’ educational facility by means of international courses and masterclasses. The international courses focus on knowledge development of professionals dealing with soil and water. These are continuing education courses for practitioners, taught by practitioners. The emphasis is on why and how. Most lecturers are major players in their area of expertise. The practical application of the course content is safeguarded by the use of case histories and workshops.