Professor Keith Beven was one of just 22 foreign members, announced by the NAE which cited his ‘contributions to the understanding of hydrological processes and development of the foundations of modern hydrological modelling.”

Professor Beven’s work has been cited more often in international research journals than the work of any other hydrologist and his contribution to his field has been described as ‘unparalleled’.

Professor Beven, who has published ten books and over 400 journal articles, retains close links to the Lancaster Environment Centre following his recent retirement, after 30 years at Lancaster University.

He said: “It is a particular honour to be recognised by an Academy outside the UK and, in fact, rather a surprise since my background is much more in research to understand and represent hydrological processes than in engineering.  I am grateful that the Academy is prepared to acknowledge such a contribution to hydrological science.”

Election to the National Academy of Engineering is among the highest professional distinctions accorded to an engineer.  Academy membership honours those who have made outstanding contributions to "engineering research, practice, or education, including, where appropriate, significant contributions to the engineering literature" and to "the pioneering of new and developing fields of technology, making major advancements in traditional fields of engineering, or developing/ implementing innovative approaches to engineering education."

Individuals in the newly elected class will be formally inducted during a ceremony at the NAE’s annual meeting in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 8, 2017. 

This year the NAE elected 84 new members and 22 foreign members. This brings the total U.S. membership to 2,281 and the number of foreign members to 249.