The IfU focuses its research on three global challenges, the "Grand Challenges". The goal is to make significant contributions to knowledge and to find solutions to pressing issues such as environmental and climate change. In this way, the IfU aims to enable politics, business and society to make fact-​based decisions. Several chairs of the IfU work on each challenge. These three areas contribute to the research strategy of D-​BAUG and ETH Zurich.

Global Challenge 1: Sustainably provide water, energy and food
In this area, the IfU conducts interdisciplinary research on topics such as hydrology, water management, aquatic ecosystems, remote sensing and system modelling.

Global Challenge 2: Design a future without pollution and waste
IfU has been one of the leading institutes in the development of new concepts and technologies for water management and the reduction of air pollution.

Global Challenge 3: Create healthy, resilient and climate-adapted cities
Climate change, population growth and socio-economic factors threaten the quality of life in many urban areas. The IfU researches sustainable solutions.