The International Association of Hydrogeologists – Spanish Group (AIH-GE) has awarded ex aequo Irene de Bustamante, Director of the IMDEA Water Institute, the Custodio y Llamas Award for Professional Career in Hydrogeology and its Applications in Spain, in its twenty-sixth edition.

The award highlights the contribution of professionals who, throughout their careers, have promoted the development of hydrogeology in Spain and the application of their knowledge to the sustainable management of water resources. The jury highlighted Dr De Bustamante’s role in the study of groundwater, “as well as her teaching job in directing doctoral theses, undergraduate theses and master’s theses, and her activity as director of the Master’s in Hydrology and Water Resources Management”. The award is shared with Dr Marisol Manzano from the Polytechnic University of Cartagena.

Dr De Bustamante’s career has focused on water research and management, with special attention to the sustainable use and reuse of water resources. Also, she is an associate professor at the Department of Geology, Geography and Environment of the University of Alcalá, and from her position at IMDEA Agua she has promoted collaboration between research, administration and the productive sector in the field of water.

The AIH-GE brings together professionals and researchers dedicated to the study and management of groundwater and promotes the exchange of knowledge and the application of hydrogeology for the benefit of society. The award commemorates Spanish professors Ramón Llamas and Emilio Custodio, considered the fathers of hydrogeology.