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 2026 is presented to Mónica Guzmán-Rojo.
Mónica Guzmán-Rojo
Dr Mónica Guzmán-Rojo is a Bolivian hydrogeologist whose work has combined groundwater science, engineering practice and policy to address water-resource challenges in Bolivia and beyond. She is an Assistant Professor at the Universidad Católica Boliviana “San Pablo” and holds a PhD in Engineering Sciences from Vrije Universiteit Brussel, where she graduated with the highest distinction for research on wildfire impacts on groundwater recharge and water security in the Bolivian lowlands.
Mónica began her career in hydrology and hydraulic engineering before serving as Senior Hydrogeologist and later Head of the Groundwater Monitoring Network for the Autonomous Departmental Government of Santa Cruz. In these roles, she led hydrogeological characterisation of the Pirai River alluvial aquifer, coordinated groundwater monitoring programmes and contributed to groundwater management in one of Bolivia’s fastest-growing regions.
Her most influential work has focused on understanding and managing wildfire impacts on groundwater recharge in the Chiquitano Dry Forest. Through field monitoring, numerical modelling and collaboration with communities and institutions, she developed innovative approaches to assess post-fire groundwater vulnerability and translate scientific evidence into practical management tools. Her work contributed directly to the Management Plan of the Santa Cruz La Vieja Protected Area and to Municipal Law 219/2025 in San José de Chiquitos, one of the first local regulations in Latin America to address groundwater recharge vulnerability following wildfire.
Mónica’s contributions extend beyond research. She founded the IHDRA research group, coordinates the REMA Ibero-American network on the fire-groundwater nexus, and serves as Chair of the Education, Outreach and Policy Subcommission of IUGS-COGE. Through these activities, she has advanced groundwater education, capacity building and hydrogeological practice in developing-country settings.
Her achievements were recognised in 2025 with the Marie Curie Award from the National Academy of Sciences of Bolivia. Through her leadership, innovation and commitment to groundwater management, Mónica has made an outstanding contribution to applied hydrogeology.
Dr Mónica Guzmán-Rojo is a worthy recipient of the IAH Applied Hydrogeology Award.
