UNESCO Chair in Water Sciences renewed to tackle ‘wicked water problems’
UNESCO has announced the renewal of Professor David Hannah's role as Chair in Water Sciences.
Professor David Hannah
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has announced the renewal of Professor David Hannah's role as the UNESCO Chair in Water Sciences. This renewal underscores Professor Hannah's contributions to the field of hydrology and commitment to addressing global water challenges. UNESCO promotes world peace and security through international cooperation in education, arts, sciences, and culture.
Professor Hannah, a leading expert in water interactions, has been chairholder for the UNESCO Chair in Water Sciences since 2016. His research focuses on understanding the impacts of climate change on hydrological processes, events (floods, drought, water quality), water-dependent ecosystems, socio-hydrology, and the sustainable management of freshwater resources. His work has been instrumental in developing innovative solutions to some of the world's most pressing water issues, including water security, river pollution, and the more extreme hydrological events.
I am privileged to continue serving as the UNESCO Chair in Water Sciences. This role provides a unique platform to collaborate with global South and North partners and drive impactful research that addresses critical water challenges. Together, we can work towards a sustainable and more water-secure future.
Professor Hannah's renewal as UNESCO Chair in Water Sciences is testament to his leadership and dedication to advancing water science. His work not only enhances our understanding of water systems but also contributes significantly to global efforts in tackling climate change
Professor Hannah as UNESCO Chair in Water Sciences at the University of Birmingham makes vital contributions to water science, to research excellence nationally and internationally, and to UK and UNESCO priorities as whole, such as addressing the climate change crisis and contributing to UNESCO's constitutional role of building the defences of peace in the minds of women and men
Under Professor Hannah's leadership, the UNESCO Chair has fostered significant collaborations with international research institutions, governments, and local communities. These partnerships have been pivotal in advancing knowledge and implementing practical solutions to enhance water security and resilience against climate change. His efforts have also been recognised through awards, including the Tison Award from the International Association of Hydrological Sciences, the Royal Society Wolfson Fellowship, Fellowship of the American Geophysical Union, and Murchison Award from the Royal Geographical Society. He was included in Reuters ‘Hot List’ list of the world’s most influential climate scientists.
Additional roles
Alongside this role Professor Hannah is the Director of the Birmingham Institute for Sustainability and Climate Action, and Deputy Pro Vice Chancellor for Sustainability.