The Applied Hydrogeology Award of the International Association of Hydrogeologists is presented annually to a person who is a groundwater professional and has made outstanding contributions to the application of hydrogeology, particularly in developing countries or in support of international development efforts. The Award for 2024 is presented to James Adamson and Zoran Stevanović.
James Adamson
James Adamson received his Bachelor’s degree from University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC), with subsequent studies at Brevard College, North Carolina, Northern Illinois University, and North Eastern Illinois University. In 2010, James was made Alumnus of the Year by UNBC.
James is a licensed geoscientist with a specialisation in hydrogeology, water supply development, and water resources management. He is a Board Member and Advisor for Water Technologies International and serves on the board of the American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG) in Illinois and Indiana. As co-founder and Principal Hydrogeologist at Northwater Consulting (Springfield, IL), he has devoted significant philanthropic effort and energy towards developing water resources for improved livelihoods in communities across the Global South. His experience extends throughout Latin America & the Caribbean, South America, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Asia.
James is considered the leading expert on Haiti’s hydrogeology and water resources. He has led numerous projects to develop groundwater resources for rural water supply and to support regional development. He was present during the 2010 earthquake and played a key role in supporting the Haitian government and NGOs. He received the Northwest Haiti Water Supply Development Honor Award, issued by American Council of Engineering Companies of Illinois.
James has authored several peer-reviewed book chapters and journal articles on water security, hydrogeology, and geology. His co-authored paper, “Beyond ‘Day Zero’: insights and lessons from Cape Town (South Africa)”, published in IAH’s Hydrogeology Journal, received the 2019 Editors’ Choice Award. He led work with 16 organizations and 20 authors to publish in Hydrogeology Journal, the ”Topical Collection: Advancements in hydrogeological knowledge of Haiti for recovery and development”, detailing research on Haiti’s groundwater resources since the 2010 earthquake.
James has improved the livelihoods of individuals across Haiti and wherever he has worked. His ability to relate and interact with funding agencies, non-profit managers, field workers, and village leaders sets him apart. He is a rare blend of humanitarian and geoscientist and reflects well on our profession. James Adamson is a worthy recipient of the IAH Applied Hydrogeology Award.
Zoran Stevanović
Zoran Stevanović is Professor of the University of Belgrade, Serbia, retired since 2021. He studied Geology at the University of Belgrade where he was awarded his BSc in 1979, his MSc in 1982 and his PhD in 1987.
Prof Stevanović has made outstanding contributions to countless water supply projects, helping to raise living standards in low- and middle-income countries across the world. His commitment to transboundary water resources projects in the Dinaric Karst Region has contributed to peaceful co-operation between these countries. His technical solutions are routinely applied in karst aquifer engineering regulation projects.
As Head of the FAO Groundwater Unit in Iraq Zoran guided complex hydrogeological works for irrigation and mitigating drought. In Bhutan he developed groundwater sources for irrigation, in northern Georgia on alternative water solutions in conflict zones, in Algeria, Ethiopia and The Seychelles on water supply projects. He coordinated hydrogeological mapping and water resources assessment in Somaliland, Puntland and Gedo. In Algeria and Iraq, he conducted engineering and environmental assessments of dams and reservoirs. He devised the national groundwater data management system for North Macedonia, Bosnia & Herzegovina and Montenegro. His network design for groundwater monitoring was applied in Serbia, Montenegro, Northern Iraq and Northern Somalia.
He has published more than 350 papers, four text-books, authored and edited 20 monographs including Karst aquifer – Characterization and engineering (Springer) and Karst without boundaries (CRC). He served as Chair of the IAH Karst Commission and is the Co-Chair of the Board on Karst and Speleology of the Serbian Academy of Science and Arts. He chairs IAH’s Karst Commission project “Most Important Karst Aquifer Springs”, coordinating the work of more than 100 national experts. He is Past President of the Serbian Geological Society, Permanent member of the Scientific Society of Serbia and Corresponding member of the Academy of Engineering Sciences of Serbia. He is an Honorary Member of the Hungarian Geological Society and member of the Bulgarian Geological Society.
Prof. Zoran Stevanović is a worthy recipient of the IAH Applied Hydrogeology Award.
