Fang Wang | Ecohydrology | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Fang Wang | Ecohydrology | Best Researcher Award

Professor (Grade II) at China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research, China

Fang Wang is a distinguished researcher in watershed ecological hydrology with a prolific career spanning decades. She has led or participated in over 100 research projects and authored approximately 80 papers, including a widely cited work on ecological water demand in Northwest China. Her contributions include two groundbreaking innovations: the theory of ecological water demand supported by non-zonal vegetation and the identification of the water-salt threshold necessary for maintaining lake ecosystem stability. She has been honored with two National Science and Technology Progress Awards and five Great Yu Science and Technology Progress Awards. Currently serving as Deputy Chief Engineer at the Water Resources Institute, she has also held leadership roles, including Director of the Water Ecological Environment Department. In addition to her academic achievements, she has received multiple awards recognizing her contributions to water conservation and women’s advancement in science. Her work has had a significant impact on water resource management, influencing policies such as the evaluation of the Datong River Water Diversion Project for Qinghai Lake.

Professional Profile 

Education

Fang Wang holds a strong academic background in water resources and environmental studies. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Inner Mongolia Forestry College in 1986, followed by a Master’s degree from Hohai University in 1994. Continuing her pursuit of knowledge, she obtained a Doctorate from the China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research in 2000. Her educational journey provided a solid foundation for her expertise in watershed ecological hydrology, which she has applied throughout her research career.

Professional Experience

Fang Wang has had an extensive and impactful career in water resources research and management. She began her professional journey with roles at the Inner Mongolia Workers’ University of Water Resources and the Inner Mongolia Electric Power Survey and Design Institute, gaining valuable experience before completing her doctorate. After earning her Ph.D. in 2000, she joined the Water Resources Institute at the China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research, where she has been actively engaged in research. She was promoted to Professor-Level Senior Engineer in 2008 and later served as Director of the Water Ecological Environment Department from 2014 to 2017. Since 2017, she has held the position of Deputy Chief Engineer at the Water Resources Institute. In addition to her leadership roles, she is a respected member of the National Committee for Wetland Science and Technology and the National Committee for Wetland Standardization, further solidifying her influence in the field of ecological hydrology and water resource management.

Research Interest

Fang Wang’s research interests lie in watershed ecological hydrology, with a strong focus on ecological water demand, wetland conservation, and water resource management. Her work explores the intricate relationship between water availability and ecosystem sustainability, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. She has made significant contributions to understanding non-zonal vegetation-supported ecological water demand and the water-salt balance necessary for maintaining lake ecosystem stability. Her research has played a crucial role in shaping policies related to water conservation, such as the evaluation of the Datong River Water Diversion Project for Qinghai Lake. Through her extensive studies, she aims to develop sustainable water resource management strategies that balance environmental protection with human water needs.

Award and Honor

Fang Wang has received numerous prestigious awards and honors in recognition of her outstanding contributions to water resource research and ecological hydrology. She has been honored with two National Science and Technology Progress Awards and five Great Yu Science and Technology Progress Awards for her groundbreaking research. Her influential paper, Research on Ecological Water Demand in Northwest China, earned the First Prize for Outstanding Papers from the China Association for Science and Technology and the Outstanding Achievement Award commemorating the 60th Anniversary of the China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research. In addition to her scientific achievements, she has been recognized for her contributions to women’s advancement in water conservation, receiving titles such as “Advanced Individual for Women’s Work in Water Conservancy” (2011, 2017), “March 8th Red Flag Bearer”, “National Women’s Work Pioneer” (2018), and the “Women’s Work Award” celebrating the 60th Anniversary of the China Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Research. These accolades highlight her significant impact on both scientific research and leadership in water resource management.

Conclusion

Fang Wang is a highly accomplished researcher with outstanding contributions to watershed ecological hydrology. Her extensive publications, pioneering theories, and leadership in water resource research make her a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Strengthening global collaborations and technological applications could further solidify her standing.

Publications Top Noted

  1. Compositional shifts and co-occurrence patterns of topsoil bacteria and micro-eukaryotes across a permafrost thaw gradient in alpine meadows of the Qilian Mountains, China

    • Authors: Z. Wang, Zhu; F. Wang, Fang

    • Year: 2025

    • Citations: 0

  2. Spatial Patterns of Soil Bacterial Communities and N-cycling Functional Groups Along an Altitude Gradient in Datong River Basin

    • Authors: Z. Wang, Zhu; Y. Liu, Yang; F. Wang, Fang

    • Year: 2024

    • Citations: 1

  3. Evaluation and comparison of 11 sets of gridded precipitation products over the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

    • Authors: P. Rao, Pinzeng; F. Wang, Fang; X. Yuan, Xing; Y. Liu, Yang; Y. Jiao, Yang

    • Year: 2024

    • Citations: 7

  4. Spatiotemporal characteristics and natural forces of grassland NDVI changes in Qilian Mountains from a sub-basin perspective

    • Authors: Z. Wang, Zhu; Y.C. Wang, Yioheng Cheng; Y. Liu, Yang; W. Deng, Wei; P. Rao, Pinzeng

    • Year: 2023

    • Citations: 8

 

Tatek Wondimu Negash | Water Resources | Best Researcher Award- 1074

Published on by Hydrologists

Tatek Wondimu Negash | Water Resources | Best Researcher Award

Agricultural Water Management Researcher at Ethiopia Institute Of Agricultural Research, Melkassa Agricultural Research Center, Ethiopia

Tatek Wondimu Negash is a highly skilled water resource and irrigation engineer with over eight years of research experience in agricultural water management, hydrology, land use, and climate change. Holding a BSc in Water Resources and Irrigation Engineering and an MPhil in Irrigation and Drainage Engineering, his work focuses on optimizing irrigation efficiency and improving water use in semi-arid regions. He has authored multiple peer-reviewed publications on irrigation water allocation, evapotranspiration, and watershed hydrology, demonstrating his expertise in hydrological modeling and data analysis using tools like ArcGIS, ArcSWAT, and AquaCrop. As a researcher at the Ethiopia Institute of Agricultural Research, he collaborates with farmers, government agencies, and research institutions to implement sustainable irrigation practices. His contributions have earned him recognition, including a prestigious Master’s Scholarship from WACWISA, Ghana, and an Editorial Board membership for the International Analytical Chemistry Awards. With strong technical skills, stakeholder engagement experience, and a commitment to advancing water resource management, Tatek stands out as a leading researcher in his field.

Professional Profile 

Education

Tatek Wondimu Negash holds a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Water Resources and Irrigation Engineering from Hawassa University, Ethiopia, where he developed a strong foundation in agricultural water management and irrigation system design. He further advanced his expertise by earning a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Irrigation and Drainage Engineering from the University for Development Studies in Ghana. His master’s research focused on the impact of land use and land cover change on watershed hydrology, reflecting his deep interest in sustainable water resource management. Throughout his academic journey, he has acquired specialized training in hydrological modeling, irrigation technologies, and integrated water resource management, enhancing his skills in data analysis and research methodologies. His education, combined with professional development courses in Python, Jupyter, and data analysis, has equipped him with the technical proficiency needed for high-impact research

Professional Experience

Tatek Wondimu Negash is an experienced water resource and irrigation engineer and researcher at the Ethiopia Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR), Melkassa Agricultural Research Center. With over eight years of professional experience, he has been actively involved in developing research proposals and conducting studies on agricultural water management, hydrology, land use, and climate change. His work focuses on optimizing irrigation efficiency by evaluating and demonstrating appropriate irrigation technologies, determining crop water requirements, and improving irrigation scheduling. Tatek has played a key role in designing and supervising various irrigation projects, including sprinkler, drip, and surface irrigation systems, while also providing technical support for the construction of irrigation canals, drainage systems, and water harvesting structures. Additionally, he has extensive experience in hydrological modeling and data analysis, utilizing advanced tools such as ArcGIS, ArcSWAT, DSSAT, and AquaCrop to enhance water management practices. Beyond research, he collaborates with farmers, government agencies, and research institutions, facilitating training programs and knowledge-sharing initiatives to promote sustainable agricultural water use. His work contributes significantly to improving irrigation strategies and water conservation efforts in Ethiopia and beyond.

Research Interest

Tatek Wondimu Negash’s research interests revolve around agricultural water management, hydrology, land use, and climate change, with a strong focus on optimizing irrigation efficiency and sustainable water resource utilization. He is particularly interested in studying soil-water-plant relationships to determine crop water requirements, improve irrigation scheduling, and enhance water use efficiency in semi-arid regions. His work also explores the impact of land use and land cover changes on watershed hydrology, employing advanced hydrological modeling techniques using tools such as ArcGIS, ArcSWAT, DSSAT, and AquaCrop. Additionally, he is engaged in developing innovative irrigation technologies and management practices that support smallholder farmers and large-scale irrigation projects. Through his research, Tatek aims to contribute to climate-resilient agricultural practices by integrating data-driven solutions and evidence-based decision-making for sustainable water resource management. His interdisciplinary approach bridges the gap between scientific research and practical applications, ensuring that his findings have a tangible impact on agricultural productivity and water conservation.

Award and Honor

Tatek Wondimu Negash has received notable awards and honors in recognition of his contributions to agricultural water management and irrigation research. He was awarded the Master’s Scholarship by the West Africa Center for Water, Irrigation, and Sustainable Agriculture (WACWISA), Ghana, funded by the World Bank under the African Centre of Excellence Impact (ACE Impact) Project, which supported his postgraduate studies in irrigation and drainage engineering. His research excellence has also earned him a place on the Editorial Board of the International Analytical Chemistry Awards (2025), recognizing his expertise in scientific research and analysis. Additionally, he has participated in prestigious professional development programs, including specialized training in integrated water resources management, eco-hydrology, and canal performance improvement conducted by international institutions. These achievements highlight his dedication to advancing water resource management and underscore his growing influence in the field of irrigation engineering and hydrological research.

Conclusion

Tatek Wondimu Negash is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to his extensive research contributions, technical expertise, and impact on agricultural water management. His peer-reviewed publications, irrigation research, modeling expertise, and stakeholder engagement highlight his suitability. While he could enhance his research profile with more international collaborations, higher citation impact, and independent research funding, his overall achievements make him a worthy contender for the award.

Publications Top Noted

Title: Optimal Irrigation Water Allocation for Enhanced Productivity of Haricot Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) and Economic Gain: An Experiment Conducted in the Semi-Arid Area of Ethiopia

Authors:

  • Tatek Wondimu Negash (T.W. Negash)
  • Abera Tesfaye Tefera (A.T. Tefera)
  • Gobena Dirirsa Bayisa (G.D. Bayisa)
  • Tigist Damtew Worku (T.D. Worku)
  • Aynalem Gurms (A. Gurms)

Year: 2025

Journal: Journal of Agriculture and Food Research

Citations: 0 (as of now)