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Simonovic honoured for exceptional contributions in the field of hydrologic engineering

By Agnes Chick | February 12, 2013

Slobodan Simonovic, professor in Civil and Environmental Engineering and director of engineering studies with the Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction, has been selected by the Environmental Water Resources Institute to receive the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) 2013 Ven Te Chow Award for his achievements in the field of hydrologic engineering.

Simonovic’s research interests focus on the application of systems approach to management of complex water and environmental systems, focusing on the integration of risk, reliability, uncertainty, and optimization in hydrology and water resources.

With over 30 years of research, teaching and consulting experience in the field of water resources modeling and management, Simonovic is also being recognized for his contributions to climate change-sensitive hydrologic engineering, systems, analysis and soft-computing-based methods in hydrology, and for his extensive service to the profession and education with more than 350 publications and three major textbooks.

Another area of research interest for Simonovic is the field of water resources decision support. He has undertaken applied research projects that integrate the mathematical modeling, data-base management, geographic information systems and intelligent interface development into decision support tools for water resources decision makers. Most of Simonovic’s research is being conducted through the Facility for Intelligent Decision Support (FIDS) at Western University.

“It is a great honour to receive an award named after Professor Ven Te Chow,” says Simonovic. “Not only is the award named after someone I highly respect and admire, ASCE represents the most well-known professionals in the field of hydrologic engineering. I feel fortunate to have my name join an exclusive list of exceptional individuals who have received this award in previous years.”

Simonovic had the privilege of meeting Ven Te Chow for the first time in 1974 when he was starting his engineering career. Ven Te Chow was one of the speakers at a Scientific Meeting in Dubrovnik, Yugoslavia and pointed to a new research area of water resources systems analysis. Discussions with Ven Te Chow influenced Simonovic to continue education and research in this area. Simonovic credits Ven Te Chow as a major influence in his decision to enter the field of water resources systems engineering.

The award will be presented to Simonovic during the World Environmental & Water Resources Congress from May 19-23, 2013, in Cincinnati, OH. The Congress will offer opportunities to network and become involved through exhibits, sponsorships, cooperating organizations, student and international activities. This is a great opportunity for water resources practitioners to meet with their peers, discuss accomplishments and consider what the future might bring.

Founded in 1852, the ASCE represents more than 140,000 members of the civil engineering profession worldwide and is America's oldest national engineering society. ASCE aims to advance technology, encourage lifelong learning, promote professionalism and the profession, develop civil engineer leaders, and advocate infrastructure and environmental stewardship.

Established in 1995, the Ven Te Chow Award recognizes individuals whose lifetime achievements in the field of hydrologic engineering have been distinguished by exceptional achievement and significant contributions in research, education or practice.