Measurements, monitoring and experiments are the basis of hydrological science. However, making these measurements is time-consuming, often financially expensive and not without risk. What do we need to measure, how do we need to measure it and where, to push the boundaries of our science? Where are observational gaps and how do we overcome them? This session aims to celebrate current pioneering work in field hydrology, new promising methods and courageous approaches, and to show the importance of field data for advancing hydrology.