Hydraulics is the branch of civil engineering related to the science of water in motion, and the interactions between the fluid and the surrounding environment. It is shown that hydraulic engineers were at the forefront of science for centuries. The end of the 20th century marked a change of perception in our society for hydraulic engineering. Is there a need for further hydraulic engineering? Yes, definitely. This is illustrated with an example (culvert design) and complemented by a second paper (CHANSON 2003). Some reflexions on the role of water engineering are presented. It is suggested that hydraulic engineers and academics must be pro-active to develop further scholarship and quality expertise as a part of a long-term strategy
