#Chair
Chair in Water Science
University of Birmingham – Professor David Hannah
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The team at the University of Birmingham is on the hunt for innovative and sustainable solutions to solve the water crisis.
Reliable access to clean water is essential to our health, prosperity and security. But, billions of people around the world are struggling daily with lack of water, polluted water or poor access to water, and water-related disasters such as floods and droughts.
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? Water
? Sustainability
#RelatedChair
UNESCO Chair on Tropical Freshwater Management
UNIVERSIDAD REGIONAL AMAZONICA IKIAM
#SDG
QUOTE
“Our biggest future challenge will be water security: too much, too little, too polluted, too inaccessible. We need to understand the fundamentals of how the water cycle works, and how people interact with water, for the sustainable management of precious and finite water resources.”
Professor David Hannah
UNESCO Chairs are based within Institutes for Higher Education and specialise in specific research fields. They provide policy advice to the UK National Commission for UNESCO and HM government, as well as reviewing UNESCO applications.
ABOUT THE CHAIR
As the first Chair to focus on the science of hydrology, the team is working with partners across the globe to develop a transformative approach to the world’s ‘wicked’ water problems. Their long-term vision is to understand water cycle processes, hydrological events (flood, drought) and water-related impacts under climate and other drivers of change.
Outreach and fostering greater links between society, industry, research institutes and universities is central to the Chair’s goals, with the three pillars of their work as follows. One, to protect our freshwater systems from the threats of development, pollution and climate change. Two, to help those populations living with the effects of water shortage, lack of clean water, poor sanitation and the impact of droughts and floods. And three, to engage local people as ‘citizen scientists’ in finding solutions to water issues and to build human and ecosystem resilience.
The establishment of the UNESCO UNITWIN network in “Ecohydrological Interfaces” with universities and institutes in France, Australia and India provides exciting opportunities for the Chair to maximise reach and impact. With many more members expected to join, it will no doubt continue to foster high quality research and forge on with solutions to the water crisis.
ABOUT THE CHAIR’S RESEARCH
David’s research into hydroclimatology has helped us gain a deeper understanding of the impacts of climate change water systems and riverine ecology, as well as the management and conservation of freshwaters. He and his team are involved in multiple international research projects as they look to understand the impact of changing forest dynamics on water quality in the Himalayas; adaptation strategies to protect Scottish freshwater fish from the detrimental effects of high river water temperature; and the consequences of climate-change induced glacier shrinkage on water security in Peru.
The work of the Chair has been recognised through the selection of ‘Water’ as an inaugural theme for the University of Birmingham’s prestigious new Institute for Global Innovation (IGI). Opened in March 2020 by Matthew Lodge, Minister and Ambassador of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to UNESCO, the IGI plays a key role in connecting the expertise of the University’s academics with a broad range policymakers.
Professor David Hannah
As Professor of Hydrology and College Director of Research for Life & Environmental Sciences at the University of Birmingham, David is recognised internationally for his pioneering work linking hydrology with climatology and ecology. He was honoured with the prestigious Tison Award from the International Association of Hydrological Sciences in 2014 (IAHS); and, in 2019, he became a Royal Society Wolfson Fellow.
Alongside his academic contributions, David is active in UNESCO’s International Hydrology Programme, Vice-President of the IAHS-International Commission for Surface Water, and an expert advisor to the Government, water industry leaders, agencies and regulators.
#Institution
University of Birmingham
Director of Research, College of Life and Environmental Sciences
SINCE 2016
#Alma-Mater
University of Aberdeen, University of Birmingham
BSc, PhD.
#Role at UNESCO
Chair in Water Science
SINCE 2016
#Research&Events
LATEST EVENTS AND RESEARCH PROJECTS
Read about some of the many projects that Professor Hannah has been a part of during his career.
United Nations World Water Day
#WaterSciences
Celebrations for the 2020 World Water Day were held across the globe and the University of Birmingham was no exception as a team of academics held lectures, workshops and seminars that discussed water and climate change – and how the two are linked.
Water in a changing environment: too much, too little, too hot?
2020
#ClimateChange
Here, Professor Hannah discusses how fluctuations in water levels can have lasting effects on ecosystems. Too much water (flood), too little water (drought) or water that is too hot (extreme temperature) can have profound consequences for aquatic animals and the people that live alongside them
Birmingham Heroes: Water Crisis
#GlobalWaterAccess
Meet the team addressing the world’s most pressing challenges through research addressing both the natural and social sciences surrounding hydrology and water access. Looking at both the practicalities and politics of hydrology in a wider context, this team is fighting to reach a better future for all.
What are the big challenges for global water security?
SINCE 2019
#PhysicalGeography
In this podcast, Laura from the Royal Geographical Society, interviews David Hannah at the University of Birmingham. They explore the hydrological cycle and big challenges related to the sustainable management of issues associated with water insecurity.
Publications
SELECTED PUBLISHED WORK
David has engaged in extensive communication surrounding the water crisis and global water security. Take a look at some of his publications below.
“Human influence on hydrological drought.”
2019
#ClimateChange
David explores the ways by which we can quantify the impact of human activities on water systems, specifically those leading to drought.
LATEST
QUOTE
“If we don’t solve the world’s water problems our future is in peril. It’s a privilege to be able to use the opportunities provided by becoming a UNESCO Chair to help find solutions to this most fundamental human problem.”
Professor David Hannah
#MeetTheChairs
RELATED CHAIRS
#Science #Sustainability
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UNIVERSITY OF THE HIGHLANDS AND ISLANDS
Prof. Martin Price #Science
The chair for sustainable mountain development works to assess and continue the sustainable development of mountains by getting involved in a variety of projects and inspiring future researchers through academic programmes.
Chair on Responsible Foresight for Sustainable Development
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Prof. Ted Fuller #CrossCutting
Inspired by a long-term collaboration with UNESCO’s work on Futures Literacy, the Lincoln Chair is striving to help people and organisations imagine and navigate the realisation of their sustainable development dreams.
ALL UK CHAIRS
Meet the rest of the UK Chairs.
The Chair in Responsible Foresight for Sustainable Development was inspired by a long-term collaboration with UNESCO’s work on Futures Literacy but is shaped by the interests and calling of colleagues at the Lincoln International Business School.
The team at UEA are working to understand how we might improve adult literacy and learning programmes in the Global South.
The UNESCO Chair in Archaeological Ethics and Practice in Cultural Heritage is hosted by the Department of Archaeology at Durham University and held by Professor Robin Coningham.
Led by Professor John Shawe-Taylor, the Chair’s team is developing a series of research projects delivering AI that can improve health and education, reduce inequality, and spur economic growth
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RELATED ACCREDITED EXPERTS
Meet the UK National Commission for UNESCO Accredited Experts
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Professor Harry Dixon
ACCREDITED EXPERT
#Hydrology
Professor Harry Dixon represents the UK government on the IHP Council – the UN body devoted to water research and management, and related education and capacity development.
Alan Jenkins
ACCREDITED EXPERT
#Hydrology
An Accredited Expert, Professor Alan Jenkins, represents the UK government on the IHP Council – the UN body devoted to water research and management, and related education and capacity development.
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