Parameterising hydrological models - Comparing optimisation and robust parameter estimation

► In this paper, we comparatively analyse the potential of both event-based automatic calibration (PEST) and robust parameter estimation (ROPE). ► The results of our study indicate that ROPE performs better if validation of small to medium sized events are considered. ► ROPE provides alternatives for model calibration when the modellers intention is focussed on maximising the generalisation capacity of the model.