Didier Pennequin has a Bachelor degree in Earth Sciences and a Master degree (1982) on lake-groundwater interactions, water resources management and groundwater modelling from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. He later received in 1985 a Post Engineering Specialisation degree (DS) in applied computer techniques at the “Ecole Supérieure d’Electricité” in France.

After two years of research on surface and groundwater interactions (quantity, quality) in the US, he started to work as a computer specialist in France, developed screen optimization programs and contributed to setting up a technical computer department for Johnson Screen. He later integrated “ARLAB Engineers” in 1985, then “SAFEGE Consulting Engineers” in 1986 (Suez-Lyonnaise group). While in charge of the water resources computer unit at SAFEGE, he carried out several studies in France and abroad on water resources development, management and protection.

Since 2001, he has been the Director of the Water Division of BRGM, the French Geological Survey, developing research and public service programs, engineering projects and capacity building activities in the field of water resources and environment in France, in Europe and throughout the world.

His key expertise includes water resources development, management and protection - hydrology – hydrogeology - surface water/groundwater interaction – artificial recharge – optimization/protection of wells and well fields - subsurface contamination - aquifer and site rehabilitation – pro-active integrated water resources management - environmental assessment - impact studies - mathematical and numerical modeling - data bases - water and environment legislation/institutions – water governance - field work supervision - project management - division management.

He has carried out work in several parts of the world including Algeria, Belgium, British Isles, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, China, Estonia, Germany, India, Luxemburg, Mali, Mauritania, Mexico, Morocco, Niger, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Slovenia, Switzerland, Poland, Tunisia, Turkey and USA. He has served as Vice President of IAH for Western Europe since late 2006.

Vice President: Europe (West and Central)