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Iranian Scientist Wins Stockholm Water Prize Amid Political Turmoil

3/19/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Kaveh Madani, an Iranian scientist, won the Stockholm Water Prize for his water-management research.
He faced political risks, including interrogation by Iran's Revolutionary Guards, which led to exile.
Madani briefly served in Iran's government but was accused of espionage and faced scrutiny.
He now leads the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health.
He warns water scarcity is a global issue transcending political boundaries and urges shared solutions.

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Story summary

Kaveh Madani, an Iranian scientist, won the Stockholm Water Prize for his water-management research.
He faced political risks, including interrogation by Iran's Revolutionary Guards, which led to exile.
Madani briefly served in Iran's government but was accused of espionage and faced scrutiny.
He now leads the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health.
He warns water scarcity is a global issue transcending political boundaries and urges shared solutions.