Christine Sindelar

Christine Sindelar serves as Associate Professor and Head of the Hydraulics Laboratory at the Institute of Hydraulic Engineering and River Research, Department of Landscape, Water and Infrastructure, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU). Her academic leadership spans experimental river research, fluid mechanics, and hydraulic engineering with a strong emphasis on practical applications for river management and restoration.

Her educational trajectory includes a habilitation in Experimental River Research and Fluid Mechanics (2022), a PhD-equivalent doctorate in Civil Engineering from Graz University of Technology (2011), a degree in Technical Mathematics from the University of Linz (2000), and teacher certification in mathematics, psychology, and philosophy (1997).

• Habilitation: Experimental River Research and Fluid Mechanics (2022)
• PhD: Civil Engineering, Graz University of Technology (2011)
• M.Sc.: Technical Mathematics, University of Linz (2000)
• B.Ed.: Teaching Certification, University of Linz/Salzburg (1997)

Dr. Sindelar's research integrates experimental and computational methodologies to address critical challenges in river systems. Her work focuses on sediment transport dynamics, fish passage engineering, scale modeling of hydraulic structures, and nature-based river restoration solutions. She pioneers innovative techniques such as 1:1 physical modeling and Lagrangian particle tracking to investigate complex fluid-particle interactions and river morphodynamics. Her leadership in the Responsible River Modeling Center (RRMC) drives advancements in sustainable river management practices across European waterways.

Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals a dominant focus on sediment pulse dynamics (33%), fluid-particle interactions (27%), and scale modeling techniques (20%). Her work consistently bridges fundamental fluid mechanics with practical engineering applications, particularly in regulated river systems and hydropower infrastructure. Key emerging trends include the application of nature-based solutions for ecological restoration and advanced measurement techniques for turbulent flow structures.

Her scientific recognition includes:

• Manfred Schwanninger Preis - BOKU Teaching Award (2021)
• ÖAW Stipendium 'For Women in Science' (2011)

Dr. Sindelar has mentored 20 graduate students through thesis supervision, with research spanning hydraulic structure design, sediment transport modeling, and river restoration techniques. Her externally funded research portfolio includes 14 active projects totaling over €2.5 million in grants from diverse sources:

Competitive Grants:
• Austrian Science Fund (FWF): PiCASSO XL (€480,000), Particle Collision Model (€320,000)
• European Commission: Mura-Drava-Danube Corridor (€1.2M)
Industry Partnerships:
• Multiple hydropower-related physical modeling projects (€650,000)
Municipal Projects:
• City of Vienna: Wienfluss restoration (€180,000)

As Head of the Hydraulics Laboratory, she directs a multidisciplinary team conducting cutting-edge experimental research using advanced facilities including 1:1 scale river modeling systems, high-resolution particle tracking velocimetry, and specialized sediment transport measurement apparatus. The laboratory serves as a national hub for river engineering research and collaborates extensively with European water management authorities on transboundary river projects.