Webinar Introduction
Monitoring devices are becoming smaller, smarter, and more autonomous. Hydrology is facing a critical moment to keep pace.
This expert-led session explores a growing challenge: how to expand and maintain effective monitoring networks under real-world constraints — limited budgets, remote locations, and increasing demand for data.
Across industries, a broader shift toward more integrated and efficient systems is raising important questions:
● Why do some monitoring networks grow easily, and others hit a wall?
● Why is scaling still difficult, despite clear demand for more data?
● As devices become more capable, what becomes realistically possible for monitoring networks today?
A practical and thought-provoking discussion grounded in field experience, long-term industry perspective, and academic insight.
Attendees will leave with sharper frameworks for decision-making, a broader view of where the field is heading, and a clearer sense of what is already possible.
Why Register
● Keynote and expert dialogue led by Dr. Anton Felder — 35+ years in hydrological monitoring
● Real-world perspectives from practitioners working under operational constraints
● Live-only Q&A with all speakers
● Early access to Dr. Felder’s thought leadership article
● Certificate of participation for live attendees
Speakers
Dr. Anton Felder, Global Director of HydroMet, KISTERS
Dr. Felder is a pioneering global figure in environmental monitoring, combining a rigorous academic foundation as a Hydraulics and Water Science researcher at the Technical University of Munich, with over 35 years’ experience in elite C-level corporate leadership roles at some of the world’s most recognised environmental corporations.
He currently also serves as Chairman of Synoptic Data and as a member of the HMEI Council, advising the WMO.
Ashish Raval, Chief Executive Officer, Synoptic Data PBC and Vice-Chair of HMEI
Ashish is a global climate-tech executive and innovator with 25+ years of experience advancing environmental data systems and early warning capabilities. He’d deployed critical monitoring infrastructure across 90+ countries and leads a platform aggregating real-time data from more than 200,000 environmental stations, to deliver 5 billion+ annual API calls to support life-saving programmes. He serves on the Federal ETTAC Charter, advising both U.S. government agencies and the WMO.
Russell Boals P. Eng, Owner/CEO, WMI Water Resource Group Ltd
Ross is an international water resources engineer and hydromete expert with 50+ years of experience directing massive, multi-million-dollar monitoring networks, water governance initiatives, and disaster risk management programmes. He’s strengthened institutional capacity and advanced transboundary water cooperation in complex operating environments. His experience spans senior leadership roles with the Canadian government and advisory assignments for the Asian Development Bank and UNESCO across Asia, the Americas, the Middle East, and Africa.
Klaas Schulze, Head of R&D Instrumentation, KISTERS
Klaas sits at the crossroads of product development, engineering strategy, and market application. With almost a decade of experience building embedded systems for sectors including energy and environmental monitoring, he brings deep technical grounding and an instinct for turning innovation into what the market actually needs, while ensuring new solutions are technically sound, commercially relevant, and field-ready.
Lina Ramírez, Water Resources Planner, Glencore
Lina is a Civil Engineer with a Master’s degree in Hydraulic Engineering and Environmental Management, with 14 + years of experience in water resources management for the mining industry. Her professional background includes leading initiatives in hydrological monitoring, hydrological and hydraulic modeling, risk assessment, and water management, contributing to data-driven decision-making and the development of strategic water management solutions for one of the largest mining operations in Latin America.
Professor Alan Jenkins, Chair of HydroSOS, WMO
Professor Jenkins is an internationally recognized hydrologist and water resources expert with nearly 40 years of scientific leadership. Former Chief Scientist and Science Director at the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH), he pioneered major hydroclimate services (the UK Hydrological Outlook and the COSMOS-UK soil moisture monitoring network). He currently chairs the WMO’s flagship global Hydrological Status and Outlook System and advises international organizations on water security and climate resilience via the WMO.
