Professor Soroush Soroushian, an Iranian-Zoroastrian scientist and prominent expert in civil engineering and hydrology, has been awarded the William Bowie Medal in 2025, the highest distinction of the American Geophysical Union (AGU). The award recognizes his exceptional contributions to the science of precipitation and the development of practical software tools that have global impact.
A member of the U.S. National Academy of Engineering, Soroushian is considered one of the leading figures in hydrology. Kaveh Madani, President of the UN University Institute for Water, Environment, and Health, noted: “This medal honors Professor Soroushian’s outstanding service in advancing water science and practice, culminating in a precipitation data software that helps millions worldwide.”
Born in Kerman, Iran, Soroushian studied at California State Polytechnic University and UCLA. He is currently a professor of civil and environmental engineering at UC Irvine, where he also directs the Center for Hydrometeorology and Remote Sensing. He has previously taught at University of Arizona and Case Western Reserve University, and in 2009 joined the California Council on Science and Technology.
In addition to his AGU recognition, Soroushian is a member of the International Academy of Astronautics and chairs the Global Water and Energy Cycle Section of the World Climate Research Program.
