By Ogova Ondego
Published April 9, 2014
John Briscoe of Harvard University has won the 2014 Stockholm Water Prize for what is described as “his unparalleled contributions to global and local water management, inspired by an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of people on the ground.”
The Stockholm Water Prize Committee states in its citation that Professor John Briscoe, a native of South Africa, “has combined world-class research with policy implementation and practice to improve the development and management of water resources as well as access to safe drinking water and sanitation.”
Born in Brakpan in South Africa some 66 years ago, Dr Briscoe, a citizen of South Africa and Ireland, did his undergraduate studies in civil engineering at the University of Cape Town and his doctoral studies in environmental engineering at Harvard University. He has worked in various countries around the world, and lived in South Africa, USA, Bangladesh, Mozambique, India and Brazil.
Professor Briscoe’s scientific expertise encompasses engineering, nutrition, epidemiology, demography, anthropology, political science and economics.
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King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden, Patron of the Stockholm Water Prize, will present the prize to Professor John Briscoe at a Royal Award Ceremony during 2014 World Water Week in Stockholm on September 4, 2014.
