LTH alumnus Kaveh Madani receives the world’s most prestigious water award
The Stockholm Water Prize is the world’s most prestigious water award and on August 26 2026 it was awarded to Lund University and LTH alumnus, Professor Kaveh Madani, a former international student from Iran and now the Director of the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH).
Helga Heun – Publicerad den 27 augusti 2026
In addition to his global leadership in water sustainability, Professor Madani played a pivotal role in the set up of the Lund University UNU Hub and the Water in a Changing Environment (WICE) initiative, which connect Lund University’s research and education with the United Nations’ global networks and expertise to address some of the world’s most pressing water challenges.
The award was presented in collaboration with the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, with H.M. King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden serving as official patron and presenter.
Photo: Helga Heun
Ahead of the award ceremony, representatives from Lund University joined researchers and global leaders at World Water Week’s Meet the Laureate session to discuss Professor Madani’s research, achievements and contributions to global water sustainability. Among those attending was Dr Rolf Larsson, Director of the Lund University UNU Hub.
Dr Rolf Larsson, Director of the Lund University UNU Hub, Professor Kaveh Madani and Professor Zahra Kalantari, (also a Lund University Alumna) and now at KTH Royal Institute of Technology. Photo: Helga Heun
During the discussion, Professor Madani reflected on his journey from Lund University to international leadership, expressing his gratitude to the university and to Sweden for the opportunities and support he received at the start of his career. The session was also attended by H.M. King Carl XVI Gustaf.
Beyond the session, World Water Week featured several Lund University alumni whose work is advancing water research, policy and management around the world:
- Zahra Kalantari, Professor at KTH Royal Institute of Technology
- Ali Mirchi, Professor at Oklahoma State University
- Karin Sjöstrand, City College of New York
- Åse Johannessen, Deltares, the Netherlands
Seeing so many Lund University alumni represented at one of the world’s most prestigious water events is a powerful reminder of the global reach and impact of our alumni community.
Congratulations to Professor Kaveh Madani
Lund University is proud to have been part of Kaveh Madani’s journey and to see his leadership and research making a lasting impact around the world, inspiring future generations to tackle global water challenges.