Mr. Zeshan Ali | Engineering | Young Researcher Award

Posted on by Academic achievements

Mr. Zeshan Ali | Engineering | Young Researcher Award

Mr. Zeshan Ali | Engineering – Senior Researcher at International Water Management Institute, Pakistan


Zeshan Ali is a dynamic and skilled hydrologist and research officer with a robust academic and professional foundation in Water Resource Engineering and Agricultural Engineering. With diverse expertise ranging from hydrological modeling to remote sensing, his work addresses critical issues such as climate resilience, sustainable agriculture, and data-driven water management in South Asia. Currently serving as a Senior Research Officer at the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) in Pakistan, Zeshan is making impactful contributions to global initiatives like NEXUS Gains and Fragility, Conflict, and Migration by integrating scientific research with real-world water governance solutions. His blend of field-based experience, technical proficiency, and scholarly output has positioned him as an emerging expert in the fields of climate modeling and hydrology.

Profile Verified:

Orcid | Scopus

Education:

Zeshan earned his Master of Science in Water Resources Engineering from the University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore, in 2022, where he specialized in hydrological modeling under climate change scenarios. He previously obtained his Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering from PMAS Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, in 2018. His academic background combines theoretical depth with practical understanding, particularly in the applications of GIS, remote sensing, and statistical hydrology.

Experience:

Professionally, Zeshan Ali has steadily advanced through roles that span research, engineering design, and operational management. At IWMI, he has led efforts in installing and monitoring advanced field instruments such as Eddy Covariance Flux Towers and CTD divers, managing groundwater and carbon flux data for regional planning. He has also contributed to stakeholder training, climate impact assessments, and data analysis under projects funded by CGIAR and the World Bank. Prior to this, he worked as Assistant Hydraulic Design Engineer at MM Pakistan, focusing on hydropower and water conveyance infrastructure for the Kurram Tangi Dam. Earlier roles included research and field engineering with a focus on high-efficiency irrigation systems under the Punjab Irrigated-Agriculture Productivity Improvement Project (PIPIP), where he implemented sustainable water-saving techniques and solar energy integration for rural agricultural settings.

Research Interest:

Zeshan’s research interests lie at the intersection of water resources, climate science, and technology. His core expertise includes hydrological and hydraulic modeling, climate projections (CMIP6), flood prediction, sustainable agriculture, GIS, and AI-based data analysis. He is especially passionate about integrating climate modeling with watershed and river basin hydrology to support climate-resilient infrastructure and policies. His growing interest in machine learning and remote sensing highlights a modern, adaptive approach to traditional water resource challenges.

Awards and Recognition:

Zeshan has consistently been selected for specialized workshops, high-level consultative forums, and technical training programs across Pakistan and internationally. These include the IWMI Science Strategy Forum in Colombo, Sri Lanka, and multiple CGIAR-led workshops on groundwater management and integrated water resource strategies. His ability to organize, lead, and train at multi-stakeholder events reflects recognition of his scientific communication skills and technical competence.

Selected Publications 📚:

  1. 🌊 Z. Ali et al. (2023). “Hydrological Response Under CMIP6 Climate Projection in Astore River Basin, Pakistan,” Journal of Mountain Science, Springer. [Cited by: 9]
  2. 🌱 MU Masood, Z. Ali et al. (2023). “Appraisal of Landcover and Climate Change Impact on Water Resources,” Journal of Water, MDPI. [Cited by: 5]
  3. 🔮 Z. Ali et al. (2022). “Future Streamflow Prediction Using UBC Watershed Model,” 2nd Int. Conf. on Hydrology and Water Resources. [Cited by: 2]
  4. ❄️ I.U. Khan, Z. Ali et al. (2023). “Evaluation and Mapping of Snow Characteristics in Astore Basin,” Atmosphere, MDPI. [Cited by: 4]
  5. 🌨️ I. Khan, Z. Ali et al. (2022). “Evaluation of Snow Characteristics in Astore Basin,” Conf. on Sustainable Water Resources Management.
  6. 🏞️ M. Sharjeel, Z. Ali et al. (2022). “Impacts of Climate and Land Use Changes at Rawal Dam,” SWRM 2022.
  7. 🔍 M. Rashid, Z. Ali et al. (In Prep). “Robustness of Hydrological Models & ML Techniques for Extreme Events.”

Conclusion:

Zeshan Ali’s career is a testament to applied hydrological science’s critical role in climate adaptation and sustainable resource management. His contributions span the design of innovative monitoring systems, predictive hydrological models, and field training programs that empower communities and policymakers alike. Through a blend of research, engineering, and community engagement, Zeshan has emerged as a leader in water-related climate resilience. As he continues to advance both academic and field-based frontiers, his work holds promise for shaping sustainable futures across vulnerable ecosystems and transboundary water systems. His dedication, expertise, and passion make him an exemplary nominee for any recognition in the environmental and water sciences domain.

 

 

Jacques Ganoulis | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by Academic achievements

Prof Dr Jacques Ganoulis | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Prof Dr Jacques Ganoulis , Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece  , Greece

Jacques Ganoulis (Iakovos Gkanoulis) is an eminent Greek hydrologist and civil engineer born in 1945. He is an Emeritus Professor at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTh), Greece, and serves as Director of the UNESCO Chair and Network INWEB. He has had a distinguished career as a senior consultant with UNESCO-IHP in Paris and has held influential roles in various international water resource management projects. Ganoulis’s expertise spans integrated water resources management, hydrological modeling, and transboundary water governance. His contributions have greatly advanced the field of water science and policy, particularly in the Balkans and Mediterranean regions.

Publication Profile

Google Scholar

Strengths for the Award

  1. Extensive Expertise and Experience:
    • Education: Dr. Ganoulis has a robust academic background, including multiple advanced degrees in civil engineering and hydraulics from prestigious institutions such as Paul Sabatier University and ENSEEIHT.
    • Professional Positions: His career spans various influential roles, including State Secretary for Water in Greece, Senior Consultant at UNESCO-IHP, and Director of the UNESCO Chair and Network INWEB. His involvement in high-impact positions demonstrates significant leadership and expertise.
  2. Noteworthy Contributions:
    • Research and Publications: Dr. Ganoulis has authored several influential publications on topics such as risk analysis of water pollution, transboundary water resources management, and climate change impacts. His work is widely cited and contributes significantly to the field.
    • International Impact: His involvement in international projects and consultancy roles, including work with UNESCO, UNEP, and the EU, highlights his global influence in water resources management and environmental engineering.
  3. Innovative Projects and Initiatives:
    • INWEB: Dr. Ganoulis founded the International Network of Water-Environment Centres for the Balkans (INWEB), which has been recognized by UNESCO and has significantly advanced water management and research in the Balkans.
    • EU and UNESCO Projects: His work on projects like the Dinaric Karst Transboundary Aquifer System Project and the EU TEMPUS and FP6 initiatives shows his commitment to addressing critical water management challenges through innovative solutions.
  4. Awards and Honors:
    • Recognition: Dr. Ganoulis has received several prestigious awards, including the Fulbright Fellowship, Knight of Academic Order from the French Government, and the Alexander-von-Humboldt Research Fellowship, which affirm his contributions and standing in the field.

Areas for Improvement

  1. Broader Dissemination of Work:
    • Public Outreach: While Dr. Ganoulis has a strong academic and professional presence, increasing outreach to non-academic audiences could enhance the impact of his research and solutions. Engaging more with the public and policy-makers can help bridge the gap between research and practical application.
  2. Interdisciplinary Collaboration:
    • Collaborative Projects: Expanding collaborations with researchers in related fields (e.g., social sciences, economics) could further enhance the interdisciplinary nature of his research, addressing complex water management issues from multiple perspectives.
  3. Emerging Technologies:
    • Adapting to New Technologies: Embracing and integrating emerging technologies, such as advanced data analytics and artificial intelligence, could provide new insights and solutions in water resources management and environmental risk assessment.

Education

Jacques Ganoulis holds a Ph.D. in Natural Sciences/Water Resources from Paul Sabatier University, Toulouse, France (1974). He completed his Thèse de Doctorat 3ème Cycle in Groundwater Hydraulics at ENSEEIHT, Toulouse (1971) and earned an M.Sc. in Groundwater Hydraulics from ENSEEIHT (1969). He obtained his Diploma in Civil Engineering/Hydraulics from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (1968). His academic background provides a strong foundation for his extensive career in water resource management and environmental engineering.

Experience

Ganoulis’s extensive career includes significant roles such as State Secretary for Water in Greece (2015-2019), Senior Consultant at UNESCO-IHP (2012-2015), and Professor at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (1978-2012). He has been a visiting professor and consultant globally, including roles at the University of Alabama, Technische Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, and McGill University. His work has focused on integrated water resources management, risk analysis, and capacity building, with substantial contributions to international water governance and transboundary water management.

Awards and Honors

Jacques Ganoulis has received numerous accolades, including the Fulbright Fellowship at the University of Alabama (2022) and the title “Knight of Academic Order” from the French Government (2013). He was awarded the Medal of Honorary Recognition by the Greek Hydro-Geological Association (2011) and was elected a member of the French Water Academy (2008). Ganoulis also received the Alexander-von-Humboldt Research Fellowship (1985) and ranked first in his class at AUTh (1968), reflecting his significant contributions to water science and engineering.

Research Focus

Ganoulis’s research primarily centers on integrated water resources management, hydrological modeling, and risk analysis related to water pollution and climate change. He is an expert in transboundary water management, assessing and managing water-related risks such as floods and pollution. His work emphasizes the development of professional networks for research and education, particularly in the Balkans and Mediterranean regions, and includes extensive contributions to understanding and mitigating the impacts of climate change on water resources.

Publications Top Notes

  • Engineering risk analysis of water pollution: probabilities and fuzzy sets 🌊📚
  • Risk analysis of water pollution 🌍📘
  • Coping with flash floods 🌧️📖
  • Experimental investigation of shallow recirculating flows 🌊🔬
  • Mountain ecosystem services and climate change: A global overview of potential threats and strategies for adaptation 🌄🌐
  • Risk‐based floodplain management: A case study from Greece 🌊🇬🇷
  • Locating the zone of saline intrusion in a coastal karst aquifer using springflow data 🌊🗺️
  • Modelling of water pollution in the Thermaikos Gulf with fuzzy parameters 🌊🔢
  • Evaluating alternative strategies for wastewater recycling and reuse in the Mediterranean area 💧🌍
  • Risk analysis of wastewater reuse in agriculture 🌾💧
  • Phytoremediation as a prospective method for rehabilitation of areas contaminated by long-term sewage sludge storage: A Ukrainian–Greek case study 🌱🇺🇦🇬🇷
  • Climate change and its effects on water Resources: Issues of National and Global Security 🌡️🌍
  • Assessment of phytoremediation potential of native plants during the reclamation of an area affected by sewage sludge 🌿🏞️
  • Coping with floods 🌊🌍
  • Transboundary water resources management: institutional and engineering approaches 🌏🔧
  • Involving stakeholders in transboundary water resource management: The Mesta/Nestos ‘HELP’ basin 🌍🤝
  • Transboundary water resources management: a multidisciplinary approach 🌐🔬
  • Water resources management and environmental security in Mediterranean transboundary river basins 🌍🛡️
  • Water resources engineering risk assessment 🌊📉
  • Overexploitation and contamination of shared groundwater resources: management, (Bio) technological, and political approaches to avoid conflicts 🌍💧

Conclusion

Jacques Ganoulis is highly deserving of the “Best Researcher Award” due to his extensive expertise, impactful contributions, and significant international influence in water resources management and environmental engineering. His pioneering work, especially in risk analysis, transboundary water resources management, and education, demonstrates a profound commitment to advancing the field. By addressing the areas for improvement, such as enhancing public outreach and interdisciplinary collaboration, Dr. Ganoulis could further amplify the impact of his remarkable research contributions.