Ognjen Bonacci | Earth and Planetary Sciences | Excellence in Research

Prof. Dr. Ognjen Bonacci | Earth and Planetary Sciences | Excellence in Research

Faculty of Civil Engineering Architecture and Geodesy at Split University, Croatia

Ognjen Bonacci is a distinguished researcher specializing in hydrology, ecohydrology, and water resources management, with over 700 publications, including more than 90 in top-tier scientific journals. His contributions have earned him 4,398 citations in Web of Science and 3,803 in Scopus. As a Professor Emeritus at Split University, he has held leadership roles in UNESCO’s International Hydrological Programme and served as a reviewer for over 400 journal papers. He has authored five books and contributed to ten book chapters in prestigious publishers like Springer and Wiley. His work has been recognized with three national science awards, highlighting his lifetime achievements in research. While his expertise is deeply rooted in hydrology, broader interdisciplinary collaboration and increased industry engagement could further enhance his impact. With a strong academic record, global recognition, and leadership in international research, he is an excellent candidate for the Excellence in Research Award.

Professional Profile

Education

Ognjen Bonacci has a strong academic foundation in hydrology and water resources management, which has shaped his distinguished career. He earned his degrees in civil engineering and hydrology, specializing in karst hydrology, ecohydrology, and sediment transport. His academic journey led him to become a Professor Emeritus at Split University, where he contributed significantly to research and education. With a deep understanding of engineering hydrology, he has authored influential books and research papers, advancing knowledge in the field. His extensive involvement with UNESCO’s International Hydrological Programme and various global hydrology committees showcases his commitment to education and scientific progress. In addition to mentoring students and researchers, he has played a pivotal role in shaping water resource policies and interdisciplinary studies. Through decades of academic excellence, leadership, and research contributions, his educational background has positioned him as a leading authority in hydrology and water resource management on an international scale.

Professional Experience

Ognjen Bonacci has had an illustrious career in hydrology, ecohydrology, and water resources management, serving as a Professor Emeritus at Split University. He has held prestigious leadership roles, including Chairman of the Croatian National Committee for UNESCO’s International Hydrological Programme (IHP) and the Operational Hydrological Programme of WMO (2000-2010). He was Chairperson (2004-2006) and Vice-Chairperson (2007-2008) of the IHP-UNESCO Bureau and a member of advisory boards for UNESCO IHE and the UNESCO International Center on Karst. With extensive international contributions, he has reviewed over 400 research papers for leading journals and evaluated scientific projects for institutions such as the USA National Science Foundation. As an associate editor for multiple hydrology-focused journals, he has significantly influenced the field. His expertise extends to conference presentations worldwide, authorship of five books, and contributions to major publishers. His career demonstrates a deep commitment to advancing hydrological sciences through research, leadership, and mentorship.

Research Interest

Ognjen Bonacci’s research interests span a wide range of topics within hydrology and water resources management, with a particular focus on engineering hydrology, karst hydrology, ecohydrology, and sediment transport. His work explores the complex interactions between hydrological systems and climate change, emphasizing sustainable water resource management and transboundary water governance. He has made significant contributions to hydrometry, operational research, and the legal aspects of water resources, providing valuable insights into river hydrology and environmental conservation. His research also extends to the impacts of climate variability on water systems, addressing challenges in water availability, flood risks, and drought management. Through his extensive publication record, including books and high-impact journal articles, he has advanced scientific understanding in these areas. His interdisciplinary approach integrates hydrology with ecological and engineering perspectives, making his work highly relevant for both theoretical research and practical applications in water management and environmental sustainability.

Award and Honor

Ognjen Bonacci has received numerous prestigious awards and honors in recognition of his outstanding contributions to hydrology and water resources management. In 1988, he was awarded the National Annual Science Award for his groundbreaking research in karst hydrology. His continued excellence in scientific research earned him the National Science Award of the Republic of Croatia in 2011 for exceptional achievements. In 2021, he received the Slobodna Dalmacija Newspaper Science Award for his lifelong contributions to scientific advancements. Beyond national recognition, his leadership roles in UNESCO’s International Hydrological Programme and advisory positions in global hydrology institutions highlight his international influence. With over 4,000 citations in Web of Science and Scopus, his research impact is widely acknowledged. Through his extensive publications, leadership roles, and contributions to hydrology, Bonacci has solidified his reputation as a leading expert, earning respect and recognition from the global scientific community.

Research Skill

Ognjen Bonacci possesses exceptional research skills in hydrology and water resources management, with expertise in engineering hydrology, karst hydrology, ecohydrology, and sediment transport. His ability to analyze complex hydrological systems, assess climate change impacts, and develop sustainable water management strategies has made significant contributions to the field. He excels in hydrometric analysis, operational research, and transboundary water governance, integrating scientific methodologies with practical applications. His extensive publication record, including books and over 90 papers in leading scientific journals, showcases his proficiency in conducting high-impact research. As a reviewer for more than 400 scientific papers and an evaluator for prestigious funding organizations, he demonstrates critical analytical skills and a deep understanding of hydrological science. His interdisciplinary approach combines engineering, environmental science, and policy analysis, making his research highly valuable for addressing global water challenges. Bonacci’s dedication to advancing hydrological research continues to shape the future of water resource management.

Conclusion

Ognjen Bonacci is a highly distinguished researcher in hydrology, with an exceptional academic record, global recognition, and leadership in UNESCO programs. His high-impact publications, editorial roles, and national science awards make him a strong candidate for the Excellence in Research Award. While his expertise is primarily within hydrology, expanding into interdisciplinary applications and industry collaborations could further enhance his contribution to scientific innovation.

Publications Top Noted

  1. Changing climate both increases and decreases European river floods

    • Authors: G. Blöschl, J. Hall, A. Viglione, R.A.P. Perdigão, J. Parajka, B. Merz, D. Lun, …

    • Year: 2019

    • Citations: 1133

  2. Changing climate shifts timing of European floods

    • Authors: G. Blöschl, J. Hall, J. Parajka, R.A.P. Perdigão, B. Merz, B. Arheimer, …

    • Year: 2017

    • Citations: 954

  3. Karst hydrology: with special reference to the Dinaric karst

    • Authors: O. Bonacci

    • Year: 2012

    • Citations: 524

  4. Karst springs hydrographs as indicators of karst aquifers

    • Authors: O. Bonacci

    • Year: 1993

    • Citations: 359

  5. A framework for karst ecohydrology

    • Authors: O. Bonacci, T. Pipan, D.C. Culver

    • Year: 2009

    • Citations: 198

  6. Karst flash floods: an example from the Dinaric karst (Croatia)

    • Authors: O. Bonacci, I. Ljubenkov, T. Roje-Bonacci

    • Year: 2006

    • Citations: 181

  7. Analysis of the maximum discharge of karst springs

    • Authors: O. Bonacci

    • Year: 2001

    • Citations: 162

  8. Basic data on the hydrology of Lakes Ohrid and Prespa

    • Authors: C. Popovska, O. Bonacci

    • Year: 2007

    • Citations: 129

  9. Ground water behaviour in karst: example of the Ombla Spring (Croatia)

    • Authors: O. Bonacci

    • Year: 1995

    • Citations: 124

  10. Hydrological identification of drought

  • Authors: O. Bonacci

  • Year: 1993

  • Citations: 119

  1. Lake level prediction using feed forward and recurrent neural networks

  • Authors: B. Hrnjica, O. Bonacci

  • Year: 2019

  • Citations: 109

  1. Analysis of the water temperature regime of the Danube and its tributaries in Croatia

  • Authors: O. Bonacci, D. Trninić, T. Roje‐Bonacci

  • Year: 2008

  • Citations: 95