ASCE has honored Dragan A. Savic, Ph.D., C.Eng, M.ASCE, with the 2025 Julian Hinds Award for his leadership in the development and application of hydroinformatics tools, particularly in the modeling, optimization, and management of water resources, water distribution, and sewage systems, resulting in substantial cost savings for utilities worldwide.
Savic is a globally respected leader whose technical achievements, combined with his strategic vision and ability to lead large interdisciplinary teams, have positioned him as one of the most influential figures in water engineering today. He has been a prolific contributor to the broader scientific community, with over 400 peer-reviewed publications and more than 30,000 citations, in particular his defining and developing the field of hydroinformatics and applications to water distribution system analysis, design and operation, construction of decision-support tools, and contributions to urban flood management are exemplary and pushed the field forward.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions, he has been elected as a fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering, a member of the European Academy of Sciences, and a fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers and the International Water Association.
In addition to Savic’s technical contributions, his leadership in academia and industry internationally is noteworthy. He helped establish the Centre for Water Systems at Exeter University, where he also served as the Head of the Engineering Department. Numerous scholars visited the Centre and collaborated with Savic and his team. He moved from academia to lead the KWR Water Research Institute in the Netherlands as CEO.
The Julian Hinds Award is given to recognize the author or authors of that paper that is judged to make the most meritorious contribution to the field of water resources development. The award may also be made to an individual for notable performance, long years of distinguished service, or specific actions that advanced engineering in the field of planning, development, and management of water resources.
