Igor Leščešen | Hydrology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Igor Leščešen | Hydrology | Best Researcher Award

Nominee at Institute of Hydrology SAS, Slovakia

Igor Leščešen is a highly qualified researcher with a PhD in Geosciences, specializing in hydrology and climate-related studies. He has extensive research experience at the Institute of Hydrology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, and previously at the University of Novi Sad. His participation in EU-funded projects, such as EXtremeClimTwin and CoolClimate, highlights his contributions to hydroclimatic risk assessment and climate education. He possesses strong technical skills in GIS, remote sensing, and data science, backed by international training. His multilingual proficiency facilitates global collaborations, and he has received prestigious fellowships from CEEPUS and the Slovak National Scholarship Programme. However, to further strengthen his candidacy for the Best Researcher Award, he could expand his publication record in high-impact journals, secure independent research grants, and take on leadership roles. Overall, his diverse expertise and international contributions make him a strong contender for the award, with room for further professional growth.

Professional Profile 

Education

Igor Leščešen holds a PhD in Geosciences from the University of Novi Sad (2012–2019), where his doctoral research focused on the discharge regime of major rivers in the Carpathian Basin, highlighting his expertise in hydrology. He earned his Master’s degree in Geography (2011–2012) with a thesis on the limnological study of Vlasina Lake, achieving a high-grade point average of 9.53. Prior to that, he completed his Bachelor’s degree in Geography (2007–2011) with a GPA of 9.10, demonstrating consistent academic excellence. To further enhance his technical skills, he pursued specialized training in GIS, programming, and remote sensing, including courses from NASA ARSET and AM AI Academy. His educational background, combined with advanced coursework in data science and geospatial analysis, has equipped him with a strong foundation in climate and hydrological research, making him well-prepared for interdisciplinary scientific collaborations and innovative problem-solving in environmental sciences.

Professional Experience

Igor Leščešen has extensive professional experience in hydrology and climate research. Since 2024, he has been a researcher at the Institute of Hydrology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, where he focuses on hydroclimatic studies. Previously, from 2021 to 2024, he worked as a research associate at the Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad, contributing to climate and hydrology research projects. From 2017 to 2021, he was an associate member of the Climatology and Hydrology Research Centre at the same university, where he gained valuable experience in river discharge analysis and environmental monitoring. His expertise extends to international collaborations, having worked on EU-funded projects such as EXtremeClimTwin and CoolClimate. Additionally, he has developed strong skills in GIS, remote sensing, and data science, further enhancing his research capabilities. His professional journey reflects a strong commitment to advancing hydrology, climate science, and environmental sustainability through research and innovation.

Research Interest

Igor Leščešen’s research interests lie at the intersection of hydrology, climatology, and environmental science, with a particular focus on hydroclimatic extremes, river discharge analysis, and climate change impacts. His PhD research examined the discharge regimes of major rivers in the Carpathian Basin, contributing valuable insights into water resource management. He is also deeply engaged in satellite remote sensing and GIS applications for flood monitoring and hydrological modeling. His participation in EU-funded projects, such as EXtremeClimTwin and CoolClimate, reflects his commitment to understanding and mitigating climate risks through data-driven approaches. Additionally, he is interested in advancing geospatial analysis techniques and machine learning applications in hydrology. Through interdisciplinary collaborations, he aims to develop innovative solutions for sustainable water management, climate resilience, and disaster risk assessment. His research is driven by a passion for integrating cutting-edge technologies to address global environmental challenges and improve decision-making in hydrology and climate science.

Award and Honor

Igor Leščešen has received several prestigious awards and honors in recognition of his academic excellence and research contributions. He was a recipient of the Central European Exchange Program for University Students (CEEPUS) scholarship in both 2013 and 2015, which allowed him to conduct research at the University of Ljubljana and Eötvös Loránd University in Budapest. In 2014, he was awarded the National Scholarship Programme of the Slovak Republic (NSP), enabling him to further his studies at the Institute of Hydrology, Slovak Academy of Sciences. These fellowships reflect his strong academic background, international research experience, and commitment to scientific advancement. His involvement in multiple EU-funded research projects has further enhanced his reputation as a dedicated and accomplished researcher in hydrology and climate science. These accolades underscore his potential as a leading expert in the field, positioning him as a strong candidate for further recognition and professional advancement.

Research Skill

Igor Leščešen possesses a diverse set of research skills, specializing in hydrology, climatology, and geospatial analysis. He is proficient in hydroclimatic modeling, river discharge analysis, and flood risk assessment, with a strong foundation in GIS and remote sensing technologies. His expertise includes ArcGIS, Web GIS, and Python for data science, which he has applied in various climate and environmental studies. He has also completed specialized training, such as NASA’s ARSET course on satellite remote sensing for flood monitoring, further strengthening his analytical capabilities. Additionally, he has experience working with large datasets, statistical modeling, and machine learning applications in hydrology. His involvement in EU-funded research projects has enhanced his ability to collaborate on interdisciplinary studies, integrating climate data with decision-making frameworks. With a strong technical background and a commitment to innovative research, he continues to develop new methodologies for understanding climate change impacts and sustainable water management.

Conclusion

Igor Leščešen is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award, given his diverse research experience in hydrology, involvement in international projects, and technical expertise. However, enhancing his publication record, securing independent research funding, and taking on leadership roles could further solidify his candidacy. If he strengthens these areas, he would be a top contender for this award.

Publications Top Noted

  • Title: Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) Networks for Accurate River Flow Forecasting: A Case Study on the Morava River Basin (Serbia)
    Authors: Igor Leščešen, Mitra Tanhapour, Pavla Pekárová, Pavol Miklánek, Zbyněk Bajtek
    Year: 2025
    Citation: Water, DOI: 10.3390/w17060907

  • Title: Streamflow Variability and Predictive Modeling in the Carpathian Basin: Assessing the Performance of Machine Learning Algorithms
    Authors: Igor Leščešen, Pavla Pekárová, Pavol Miklánek, Zbyněk Bajtek
    Year: 2025
    Citation: Preprint, DOI: 10.5194/egusphere-egu25-8061

  • Title: Hydrological Dynamics and Climate Variability in the Sava River Basin: Streamflow Reconstructions Using Tree-Ring-Based Paleo Proxies
    Authors: Abel Andrés Ramírez Molina, Igor Leščešen, Glenn Tootle, Jiaqi Gong, Milan Josić
    Year: 2025
    Citation: Water, DOI: 10.3390/w17030417

  • Title: What do they know? Is climate change education necessary in primary schools in Serbia
    Authors: Igor Leščešen, Biljana Basarin, Miroslav Vujičić
    Year: 2024
    Citation: Geographica Pannonica, DOI: 10.5937/gp28-48045

  • Title: Hydrological drought assessment of the Sava River basin in South-Eastern Europe
    Authors: Igor Leščešen, Slobodan Gnjato, Ida Galinović, Biljana Basarin
    Year: 2024
    Citation: Journal of Water and Climate Change, DOI: 10.2166/wcc.2024.157

  • Title: What is happening with frequency and occurrence of the maximum river discharges in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
    Authors: Slobodan Gnjato, Igor Leščešen, Biljana Basarin, Tatjana Popov
    Year: 2024
    Citation: Acta Geographica Slovenica, DOI: 10.3986/AGS.13461

  • Title: Unveiling Torrential Flood Dynamics: A Comprehensive Study of Spatio-Temporal Patterns in the Šumadija Region, Serbia
    Authors: Ana M. Petrović, Igor Leščešen, Ivan Radevski
    Year: 2024
    Citation: Water, DOI: 10.3390/w16070991

  • Title: Are extreme floods on the Danube River becoming more frequent? A case study of Bratislava station
    Authors: Igor Leščešen, Biljana Basarin, Dragoslav Pavić, Manfred Mudelsee, Pavla Pekarova, Minučer Mesaroš
    Year: 2024
    Citation: Journal of Water and Climate Change, DOI: 10.2166/wcc.2024.587

  • Title: Changes in Annual and Seasonal Extreme Precipitation over Southeastern Europe
    Authors: Igor Leščešen, Biljana Basarin, Zorica Podrascanin, Minučer Mesaroš
    Year: 2023
    Citation: Environmental Sciences Proceedings, DOI: 10.3390/environsciproc2023026048

  • Title: Effects of changing atmospheric circulation patterns on waterlogging potential in Southeast Europe
    Authors: Minučer Mesaroš, Dragoslav Pavić, Igor Leščešen
    Year: 2023
    Citation: Preprint, DOI: 10.5194/egusphere-egu23-14880

  • Title: Is the flood occurrence rate decreasing in Southeast Europe?
    Authors: Igor Leščešen, Biljana Basarin, Manfred Mudelsee, Robert L. Wilby
    Year: 2023
    Citation: Preprint, DOI: 10.5194/egusphere-egu23-6031

  • Title: Assessing the impact of climate on annual and seasonal discharges at the Sremska Mitrovica station on the Sava River, Serbia
    Authors: Igor Leščešen, Sraj M., Pantelic M., Dolinaj D.
    Year: 2022
    Citation: Water Supply, DOI: 10.2166/ws.2021.277

 

Randall Hanson | Hydrology & Climate | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Randall Hanson | Hydrology & Climate | Best Researcher Award

Hydrologist at One-Water Hydrologic, United States

Randall Hanson is a distinguished hydrologist with over four decades of experience in hydrologic research, software development, and education. As the President of One-Water Hydrologic, LLC and a former research hydrologist at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), he has made significant contributions to regional and global water resource studies. He played a key role in developing advanced hydrologic modeling tools such as MODFLOW-OWHM and One-Water, widely used for sustainable water management. His expertise spans climate change analysis, groundwater modeling, and transboundary water resource management. Hanson has also contributed to education through international workshops and training courses, enhancing hydrologic modeling capabilities worldwide. With multiple patents and an extensive list of peer-reviewed publications, his research has had a profound impact on both scientific advancements and practical applications. His leadership, technical innovations, and commitment to education make him a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award.

Professional Profile 

Education

Randall Hanson has a strong educational background in hydrology, geology, and mathematics, providing a solid foundation for his extensive research career. He earned a Master of Science in Hydrology from the University of Arizona in 1988, where he specialized in aquifer-system compaction and groundwater flow. Prior to that, he pursued graduate studies in geology with a focus on hydrology at the University of Illinois in 1978. His undergraduate education includes dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Mathematics (Geometry) and Geology (Stratigraphy) from the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology in 1976. Hanson’s interdisciplinary academic training has enabled him to develop advanced hydrologic models and methodologies, contributing significantly to climate change studies, regional water resource management, and groundwater sustainability. His strong educational foundation, combined with decades of applied research and teaching, has positioned him as a leading expert in the field of hydrology.

Professional Experience

Randall Hanson has an extensive professional background in hydrology, spanning over four decades in both government and private sectors. He currently serves as the President and Research Hydrologist at One-Water Hydrologic, LLC, where he develops and teaches advanced hydrologic modeling tools for sustainable water resource management. Prior to this, he spent nearly 38 years at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), holding key research positions across multiple locations, including Albuquerque, Tucson, and San Diego. His expertise includes regional groundwater modeling, climate change impact analysis, and the development of innovative hydrologic software such as MODFLOW-OWHM and One-Water. Hanson has led critical studies on water sustainability, transboundary aquifers, and conjunctive water use, contributing to major projects across the U.S. and internationally. His professional experience also includes mentoring scientists, instructing international training courses, and advising on water policy, cementing his reputation as a leading expert in hydrologic research and education.

Research Interest

Randall Hanson’s research interests focus on hydrologic modeling, climate change impacts on water resources, and regional groundwater flow systems. He specializes in developing and applying integrated hydrologic models, such as MODFLOW-OWHM and One-Water, to assess water sustainability, conjunctive water use, and agricultural water management. His work explores the interaction between surface water and groundwater, land subsidence, and the effects of climate variability on water availability. Hanson has also contributed to transboundary water resource management, working on projects that analyze groundwater systems across international borders. His research extends to hydroclimatology, where he has developed new methods for linking global climate models with regional water resource assessments. In addition, he is committed to advancing the education and practical application of hydrologic modeling through international training programs. His research aims to improve water management strategies and ensure the sustainable use of water resources in an era of changing climate conditions.

Award and Honor

Randall Hanson has received numerous awards and honors in recognition of his significant contributions to hydrologic research and water resource management. His pioneering work in developing advanced hydrologic modeling tools, such as MODFLOW-OWHM and One-Water, has earned him widespread acclaim in the scientific community. Throughout his career at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and as President of One-Water Hydrologic, LLC, he has been recognized for his leadership in regional groundwater studies, climate change impact assessments, and transboundary aquifer management. His contributions to scientific advancements have led to multiple patents, including innovations in well flowmeter and downhole sampling technologies. Hanson’s dedication to education and training has also been acknowledged through invitations to teach and present at prestigious institutions and international conferences. His influence in the field of hydrology continues to shape water sustainability efforts worldwide, making him a distinguished figure in water resource research and management.

Research Skill

Randall Hanson possesses exceptional research skills in hydrologic modeling, groundwater flow analysis, and climate change impact assessments. His expertise lies in developing and applying advanced hydrologic models, such as MODFLOW-OWHM and One-Water, to study regional water resource management, conjunctive water use, and land subsidence. He has a strong background in integrating hydrogeologic frameworks, geochemistry, and wellbore hydraulics into comprehensive water resource studies. Hanson is also skilled in linking global climate models with regional hydrologic assessments, enabling more accurate predictions of water availability under changing climate conditions. His ability to synthesize large datasets and develop new methodologies has contributed to significant advancements in hydrology. Additionally, he has excellent technical writing and communication skills, demonstrated through his extensive list of peer-reviewed publications, patents, and international training courses. His research skills have positioned him as a leading expert in the field, driving innovations in sustainable water resource management.

Conclusion

Randall Hanson is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his significant contributions to hydrology, software development, and education. His leadership in advancing hydrologic modeling and climate adaptation tools has had a lasting impact on the field. While there are opportunities to enhance his interdisciplinary reach and policy influence, his credentials and achievements make him highly deserving of recognition.

Publications Top Noted

  • Rentería-Villalobos, M., & Hanson, R. T. (2025). Capturing wetness for sustainability from climate variability and change in the Rio Conchos, Chihuahua, Mexico. Journal of Hydrology: Regional Studies.

  • Rentería-Villalobos, M., Hanson, R. T., & Eastoe, C. J. (2022). Evaluation of climate variability on sustainability for transboundary water supply in Chihuahua, Mexico. Journal of Hydrology: Regional Studies.

  • Mendieta-Mendoza, A., Hanson, R. T., & Rentería-Villalobos, M. (2021). Potential adverse impacts on vulnerability and availability of groundwater from climate-change and land use. Journal of Hydrology.

 

Ayşe Yeter Günal | Hydrology | Best Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Ayşe Yeter Günal | Hydrology | Best Researcher Award

Lecturer of Gaziantep University, Turkey

Dr. Ayşe Yeter Günal is an accomplished civil engineer and academic with a profound expertise in hydraulics, water resources management, and the application of GIS and artificial intelligence in civil engineering. She has dedicated over two decades to teaching and research at Gaziantep University, where she has made significant contributions to the understanding and development of innovative solutions in civil engineering. Her work spans a variety of crucial areas, from the optimization of water systems in crisis zones to the modeling of environmental changes affecting water resources.

Publication profile

Education

Ayşe Yeter Günal completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering at the Middle East Technical University, Gaziantep Faculty of Engineering, on September 23, 1991. She then pursued her Master’s degree, completing her thesis on the thermal properties of clay soils under the supervision of Mehmet Arslan Tekinsoy at Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam University, Institute of Science, on September 13, 2001. Ayşe further advanced her education by earning a Doctorate in 2015 from Gaziantep University, Institute of Science, with a thesis titled “Study on synthetic and unit hydrographs by using GIS and artificial intelligence techniques,” under the guidance of Aytaç Güven.

Experience

Dr. Ayşe Yeter Günal has had a distinguished career at Gaziantep University, where she has served in various academic roles. Starting as a lecturer in the Department of Civil Engineering, Geotechnics Division, from 1992 to 2017, she later became an Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering, Hydraulics Division, from 2014 to 2018. Throughout her career, she has significantly contributed to the fields of geotechnics and hydraulics, supervising numerous theses and publishing extensively in international journals.

Research focus

Dr. Ayşe Yeter Günal’s research interests encompass a broad spectrum of civil engineering topics, including:

  • Synthetic and unit hydrograph analysis using GIS and artificial intelligence techniques
  • Water quality assessment using AI methods
  • Simulation of scouring around bridge piers using hydraulic modeling
  • Climate change impact on hydrological parameters and water resource management
  • Optimization of water distribution systems, especially in challenging environments such as tented camps

Publication top notes

  • Günal, A. Y., & Al Taha, K. (2024). Wastewater issue in IDPs Camps Northwest Syria. International Journal of Innovative Research in Engineering Applications and Management, 11(3), 19-24.
  • Khurshid, F., & Günal, A. Y. (2024). Harnessing earthquake-generated glass and plastic waste for sustainable construction. Turkish Journal of Engineering, 8(2), 394-402.
  • Yaman, Ü., & Günal, A. Y. (2024). Trend analysis of meteorological parameters and drought analysis in the Murat River Basin. Adıyaman Üniversitesi Eğitim Bilimleri Dergisi, 11(22), 110-124.
  • Günal, A. Y., & Mehdi, R. (2024). Prediction of runoff coefficient under the effect of climate change using adaptive neuro inference system. Journal of University of Babylon for Engineering Sciences (JUBES), 31(4), 26-40.
  • Günal, A. Y., & Mehdi, R. (2023). Computation of flow coefficient via a non-deterministic approach of fuzzy logic called SMRGT based on meteorological properties. Jordan Journal of Civil Engineering, 17, 695-708.

Luis Samaniego | Hydrology | Best Researcher Award

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🌟Prof Dr. Luis Samaniego, Hydrology, Best Researcher Award🏆

 Professor at Luis Samaniego Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research – UFZ, Germany

Luis Eduardo Samaniego Eguiguren is a renowned researcher in hydrology, holding dual citizenship in Germany and Ecuador. With a career spanning over three decades, he has made significant contributions to academia and applied research. Currently affiliated with the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research – UFZ in Germany, Luis’s work focuses on hydrological modeling, drought monitoring, and forecasting, among other areas. He is known for his expertise in programming languages and his passion for analog photography.

Author Metrics:

Luis has an impressive publication record, with over 100 ISI-listed publications and a notable h-index. He has garnered thousands of citations in both Google Scholar and Web of Science databases, reflecting the impact of his research in the field of hydrology and environmental sciences.

  • Citations: 7,799 citations from 5,690 documents
  • Documents: 102 documents
  • h-index: 48

Luis Amaniego is affiliated with the Helmholtz Zentrum für Umweltforschung in Leipzig, Germany. He has a substantial number of citations, indicating the impact of his work in the field. With 102 documents to his name, Luis has established himself as a prolific author. His h-index of 48 further demonstrates the significance and influence of his research contributions.

Education:

Luis pursued his education in both Ecuador and Germany. He completed his high school at Colegio Bernardo Valdivieso in Ecuador before obtaining his Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering with a specialization in Structural Analysis from Escuela Politécnica Nacional. He furthered his studies in Germany, earning a Master’s degree in Infrastructure Planning from Universität Stuttgart, where he also completed his PhD and habilitation.

Research Focus:

Luis’s research interests lie primarily in hydrological modeling, parameterization of land surface-hydrology models, drought monitoring, forecasting, and prediction of hydrological extremes. He is also involved in operational research, optimization, geostatistics, and data science impact modeling.

Professional Journey:

Luis has held various positions throughout his career, including roles as a structural engineer, lecturer, research assistant, and research associate. He has worked in both Ecuador and Germany, contributing to research projects and academic endeavors in the field of hydrology.

Honors & Awards:

Throughout his career, Luis has received several prestigious awards and honors, including the American Geophysical Union Water Resources Research Editor’s Choice Award, the UFZ-Research Award, and the STAHY Best Paper Award from the International Association of Hydrological Sciences.

Publications Noted & Contributions:

Luis’s publications cover a wide range of topics in hydrology and environmental sciences, contributing valuable insights to the scientific community. His research has been cited extensively, indicating its significance and influence in the field.

High-resolution impact-based early warning system for riverine flooding

Journal: Nature Communications

Date: May 2, 2024

DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-48065-y

Contributors: Husain Najafi, Pallav Kumar Shrestha, Oldrich Rakovec, Heiko Apel, Sergiy Vorogushyn, Rohini Kumar, Stephan Thober, Bruno Merz, Luis Samaniego

Toward Improved Simulations of Disruptive Reservoirs in Global Hydrological Modeling

Journal: Water Resources Research

Date: April, 2024

DOI: 10.1029/2023WR035433

Contributors: P. K. Shrestha, L. Samaniego, O. Rakovec, R. Kumar, C. Mi, K. Rinke, S. Thober

Evaluating the skill of the mesoscale Hydrologic Model (mHM) for discharge simulation in sparsely-gauged basins in Nigeria

Journal: Proceedings of IAHS

Date: April 18, 2024

DOI: 10.5194/piahs-385-211-2024

Contributors: Kingsley Nnaemeka Ogbu, Oldrich Rakovec, Luis Samaniego, Gloria Chinwendu Okafor, Bernhard Tischbein, Hadush Meresa

Spatial counterfactuals to explore disastrous flooding

Journal: Environmental Research Letters

Date: April 1, 2024

DOI: 10.1088/1748-9326/ad22b9

Contributors: Bruno Merz, Viet Dung Nguyen, Björn Guse, Li Han, Xiaoxiang Guan, Oldrich Rakovec, Luis Samaniego, Bodo Ahrens, Sergiy Vorogushyn

Deep Learning Integrating Scale Conversion and Pedo‐Transfer Function to Avoid Potential Errors in Cross‐Scale Transfer

Journal: Water Resources Research

Date: March, 2024

DOI: 10.1029/2023WR035543

Contributors: Peijun Li, Yuanyuan Zha, Yonggen Zhang, Chak‐Hau Michael Tso, Sabine Attinger, Luis Samaniego, Jian Peng

Research Timeline:

Luis has been involved in numerous research projects over the years, addressing various aspects of hydrology, climate change, and environmental modeling. His contributions range from developing forecast systems for natural disasters to advancing hyper-resolution earth observations and land-surface modeling.

Collaborations and Projects:

Luis has collaborated with international institutions and organizations on research projects funded by entities such as the European Commission, ECMWF, BMBF, and HGF. His projects have focused on topics like climate monitoring, water resources management, and the development of forecasting systems for vector-borne diseases and environmental pollution.