The International Association of Hydrogeologists accords the title of Honorary Member to those who have given exceptional services to the Association over a long period. Candidates are elected, following the recommendation of Council, by a vote of the General Assembly of the Association. This vote took place at the IAH World Groundwater Congress in Budapest and via Zoom in September 2026.
We were delighted to announce three Honorary Members in 2026.
Carolina Guardiola Albert
Dr Carolina Guardiola Albert is a hydrogeologist, researcher and scientific leader whose work has advanced groundwater science and sustainable water management in Spain and internationally. She holds a degree in Physical Sciences from the Complutense University of Madrid, a PhD in Hydraulic and Environmental Engineering from the Polytechnic University of Valencia, and postgraduate qualifications in Geostatistics and Hydrogeology. Since 2006, she has worked as a scientist at the Geological and Mining Institute of Spain (IGME-CSIC).
Carolina’s research has focused on the developing innovative approaches combining quantitative hydrogeology analysis, numerical modelling, remote sensing, geophysics, hydrology, meteorology and other environmental sciences to improve the understanding of the response of aquifer systems to intense groundwater use.
Alongside her scientific achievements, Carolina has provided outstanding service to the hydrogeological profession. As President of the Spanish Chapter of the International Association of Hydrogeologists, she has promoted groundwater science, strengthened professional collaboration between researchers, practitioners and water authorities, and reinforced links between Spanish and international hydrogeological communities. As part of her work within the Spanish Chapter, she has also promoted the development of a national technical standard for the construction and decommissioning of groundwater wells, contributing to improved professional practice and groundwater protection in Spain.
A particularly important part of this contribution has been her long-standing involvement in the coordination and promotion of Hydrogeodía, a nationwide Spanish initiative that brings groundwater science closer to society through public field activities. She has helped strengthen public awareness of groundwater, foster collaboration among hydrogeologists, and promote the initiative internationally within the wider IAH community.
Dr Carolina Guardiola Albert fully deserves the award of IAH Honorary Membership.
Peter Malík
Doctor Peter Malík is a distinguished hydrogeologist, groundwater resources specialist and scientific leader who has devoted more than four decades to advancing groundwater science and practice. He graduated from the Faculty of Natural Sciences at Comenius University Bratislava, where he studied hydrogeology, engineering geology and applied geophysics, and later completed doctoral research on hydrogeological properties and remote sensing data. Since joining the State Geological Institute of Dionýz Štúr in 1983, he has built an outstanding career in groundwater research, assessment and management, and currently serves as Head of the Department of Hydrogeology and Geothermal Energy.
Peter’s expertise spans hydrogeology, groundwater hydrodynamics, groundwater resources, groundwater protection, hydrogeological mapping, isotope hydrogeology and karst hydrology. He is particularly recognised for his contributions to karst hydrogeology and field hydrogeological mapping. He played a leading role in the development of the Basic Hydrogeological Maps of Slovakia at a scale of 1:50,000, providing an important foundation for groundwater assessment, environmental protection and water resource planning.
Alongside his scientific achievements, Peter has provided exceptional service to the hydrogeological profession. He was elected President of the Slovak Association of Hydrogeologists in 2014 and has served as President of the Slovak National Chapter of the International Association of Hydrogeologists since 2017. From 2021 to 2025, he served as Europe and Africa Regional Chair of the IAH Commission on Karst Hydrogeology, strengthening international cooperation and advancing knowledge of karst groundwater systems.
Through his scientific leadership, professional service and commitment to groundwater science, Peter has made a lasting contribution to hydrogeology at national and international levels. His work has enhanced understanding of groundwater resources, supported their protection and sustainable use, and inspired generations of hydrogeologists.
Doctor Peter Malík fully deserves the award of IAH Honorary Membership.
Ian Davey
Ian Davey is an environmental manager with more than 40 years of experience in groundwater protection, water resource management and environmental regulation in the UK and internationally. He began his career in oil exploration, working in Europe and the Middle East, before moving into the water industry, where he developed expertise in groundwater resources, water quality and land contamination.
Ian has played a leading role in groundwater protection and water management across the UK and Europe. His work has included implementation of the EU Groundwater Directive in England and Wales, integrated river basin management, and support for prospective European Union member states in implementing water legislation. He spent several years working with government departments in Poland and Bulgaria, helping strengthen environmental regulation. More recently, he led work for the Environment Agency on unconventional gas exploration and groundwater protection and chaired the Joint Agencies Groundwater Directive Advisory Group (JAGDAG), providing leadership on groundwater policy and hazardous substances.
As Executive Manager of the International Association of Hydrogeologists from 2017 to 2026, Ian was a driving force behind a period of growth and success for the Association. He guided IAH through numerous challenges with professionalism, calm leadership and commitment, ensuring that the organisation remained financially strong and influential. Under his stewardship, IAH strengthened its global reach and continued to promote the understanding, wise use and protection of groundwater worldwide.
Ian was widely valued for the support and guidance he provided to colleagues, Council members, commissions, national chapters and the editorial team of Hydrogeology Journal. He also played a major role in supporting IAH congresses and international activities, fostering collaboration across the global groundwater community.
Ian’s leadership, professionalism and dedication have left a lasting mark on both the hydrogeological profession and the IAH. Through decades of service to groundwater protection and nearly nine years of commitment to IAH, he has made an enduring contribution to groundwater science worldwide.
Ian Davey fully deserves the award of IAH Honorary Membership.
