ASCE has honored Paul Bates, Ph.D., with the 2025 Ven Te Chow Award for pioneering contributions to surface water hydrology and hydraulics, leading the development of open-source flood modeling software, and providing engineers and scientists worldwide with tools to address risk assessment and mitigation challenges related to climate change and rising sea levels.
Bates has made groundbreaking contributions to flood inundation modeling and risk assessment, revolutionizing our understanding of flood dynamics from local to global scales. His work has significantly advanced the field of hydrologic engineering, with far-reaching impacts on flood risk management worldwide. He led the development of the LISFLOOD-FP flood inundation model, a widely used tool in academic research and practical applications. This innovative model combines efficient numerical solutions with high-resolution terrain data and satellite imagery, enabling accurate flood predictions across vast areas.
His research has advanced the use of remote sensing technologies in hydraulic modeling, leading to new insights into flood processes in urban areas and complex river systems like the Amazon. His work has demonstrated the critical importance of high-quality terrain data in improving flood model accuracy. Beyond academic contributions, Bates has successfully translated his research into real-world applications. He has developed global flood risk assessment tools used by governments, international organizations, and the insurance industry. These tools have been instrumental in creating flood hazard maps, informing policy decisions, and improving flood preparedness worldwide.
Bates’ work exemplifies the integration of cutting-edge research with practical engineering solutions. His contributions have not only advanced our scientific understanding of flood dynamics but have also provided valuable tools for mitigating flood risks and protecting communities globally.
Established in 1995, the Ven Te Chow Award recognizes individuals whose lifetime achievements in the field of hydrologic engineering have been distinguished by exceptional achievement and significant contributions in research, education, or practice.
