Due to the influence of university education and papers published in leading international scientific journals, young scientists, in particular, believe that this is the sole way to advance knowledge. Experienced and practically oriented hydrologists do not always share their enthusiasm.
I would like to share my thoughts. First of all, hydrology is not a science, it is engineering. Considering hydrology a science has no basis in the current educational system. Second, we need to focus on the physical understanding of hydrological process, not on meaningless mathematical refinement. Asking the right question is more important than trying to find answers of irrelevant questions. Third, there is no forum for practicing hydrologists to share knowledge and experience. All journals are in the hands of academic professors, who have very little experience or interest in the practical application of hydrology in real world; their primary emphasis is in obtaining grant money and producing papers. It appears to me that spending all grant money on real world problems for a few years will make a big difference and a solid advance in hydrology. What about giving it a try?
My apologies if I have offended you in any way; certainly that was not my intention. My comments are based on my understanding of hydrology as it is practiced in North America.
Since you are a professor and a practitioner at the same time, I imagine you are in a better position to appreciate my viewpoint. Thanks for bringing up this issue for discussion; it is something to think about seriously. Are you familiar with the writing of Vit Klemes? He extensively discussed similar issues.