USask’s Dr. John Pomeroy earns prestigious Bancroft Award
For Dr. John Pomeroy (PhD), the work of exploring and modeling the frozen waters of the world never stops.
By Matt Olson, Research Profile and Impact“I have worked hard to develop long-term research sites in Canada, from Saskatchewan to Yukon to the Canadian Rockies, and I have been very fortunate to work with scientists from around the world,” he said.
Pomeroy is a distinguished professor in the University of Saskatchewan (USask) Department of Geography and Planning in the College of Arts and Science, the director of the Global Water Futures Observatories (GWFO), a member of the Global Institute for Water Security (GIWS), the director of the USask Centre for Hydrology, and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada. Now, he can add recipient of this year’s Royal Society of Canada (RSC) Bancroft Award to the list.
The Bancroft Award is presented biennially to a researcher in Canada in recognition of publications, instruction, and research that contributes to the understanding and appreciation of earth sciences.
Pomeroy is one of the world’s leading water researchers, with an expertise in understanding the cryosphere – or all the frozen waters of the planet, from glaciers to snowpacks. The primary chairholder of the United Nations Educational, Science and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Chair in Mountain Water Sustainability, co-chair of the advisory board for the United Nations’ International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation and chair of the strategic management committee of the Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences, Pomeroy’s continued contributions have led him to work, study, lecture, and collaborate with students and researchers on every continent.
“The interest in, and understanding of, the importance of snow and ice hydrology for the world has expanded dramatically,” he said. “Now, it’s seen as a topic of global importance for the safety, health, and prosperity of humanity and our environment.”
Since beginning his studies at USask in 1979, the advancement of computers and technology have allowed for more accurate and in-depth modelling that Pomeroy says can help understand changes in water supplies and water quality, as well as predict potential natural disasters as snow and ice melt and changes in water flows.
In Canada, The GWFO project established by Pomeroy is a critical part of that process. GWFO helps produce and promote “water intelligence” across the country that helps to prepare Canada for natural disasters and freshwater changes that arise from shifting waters and melting snow and ice.
Pomeroy said the research program he worked to build, and the talent fostered in it, could not happen anywhere else than at USask and with its students.
“The nature of our students and faculty and the supportive environment of the university is exceptional,” he said. “USask students are tough, they know what to do in cold environments, and if something breaks they just go ahead and fix it. That’s always been our superpower.”
Pomeroy said it is an honour to receive the Bancroft Award and he is excited for more research and education opportunities in the future.
“Whether it’s a snow survey up north or studying at a glacier in the Rockies. These are all wonderful adventures as well as great scientific opportunities.”