Alan MacDonald
Professor Alan MacDonald has more than 30 years of experience as a hydrogeologist, researcher and scientific leader in groundwater science. He holds a BSc (Hons) First Class degree in Geophysics from the University of Edinburgh (1991), an MSc with Distinction in Hydrogeology (1992) and a PhD (2001) from University College London. He is a Chartered Geologist, Fellow of the Geological Society, and an Ordinary Fellow of the Edinburgh Geological Society.
Alan began his career with the British Geological Survey in 1992 before joining WaterAid in Nigeria, where he worked on the Oju Community Water Supply Project from 1996 to 1999. He returned to BGS in Edinburgh as a Senior Hydrogeologist and was appointed Principal Hydrogeologist in 2006. He has been an Honorary Professor at the University of Dundee since 2012 and was recognised as an Individual Merit Scientist in 2018.
Alan is currently Head of Groundwater at the British Geological Survey, leading a team of 30 scientists delivering research projects across more than 20 countries. His principal research interests are water security, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, with a strong focus on poverty reduction and sustainable development. He has led major international research programmes on groundwater resilience to climate change, sustainable groundwater management, and the long-term functionality of rural water supplies, working closely with organisations such as WaterAid, UNICEF and government ministries.
Alan has made internationally recognised contributions to groundwater science through research on African groundwater resources, climate resilience, groundwater quality, catchment hydrogeology and water security. He has published several books, more than 130 peer-reviewed papers and over 100 British Geological Survey technical reports.
Alan served as Chair of the IAH Burdon Groundwater Network and has been a strong advocate for international collaboration and the advancement of groundwater science worldwide.
Professor Alan MacDonald is a very worthy recipient of the 2026 IAH Presidents’ Award.
