Tim Besien is the Executive Manager of the International Association of Hydrogeologists (IAH). In this role he supports the work of IAH, helping to strengthen the association’s global network and its mission to advance the understanding, wise use and protection of groundwater.
Tim is a hydrogeologist with more than 30 years’ experience in groundwater science, policy and management. Before taking up this role he worked for 26 years at the Environment Agency in England. There he held a range of senior technical roles focused on groundwater protection, groundwater monitoring and environmental regulation. His work included leading national programmes on groundwater monitoring, groundwater quality assessment and River Basin Management Planning.
Tim has also worked in research and consultancy roles earlier in his career, including at the Institute of Hydrology (now the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology) and the engineering consultancy Halcrow. He has particular expertise in groundwater monitoring, groundwater quality and the practical application of hydrogeological science to support sustainable water management.
Alongside his professional work, Tim has been active in the international hydrogeological community for many years. He is a past Chair of the IAH British Chapter and has helped organise and support a wide range of technical meetings, conferences and knowledge-sharing initiatives. He has also contributed to European groundwater policy through chairing the European Union Working Group on Groundwater to support the implementation of the Water Framework Directive.
As Executive Manager, Tim is keen to support collaboration across the global groundwater community and to help ensure that hydrogeological knowledge is shared widely and used to inform better water management.
Tim succeeds Ian Davey, who served as IAH Executive Manager for the past nine years. Ian made a major contribution to the development and smooth running of the association during this time, and Tim would like to thank him for his dedication and hard work in supporting IAH and its international community.
