Michigan State University professor Joan Rose has received the 2016 Stockholm Water Prize. Image ©2016 Michigan State University.

Michigan State University professor Joan Rose has received the 2016 Stockholm Water Prize. Image ©2016 Michigan State University.

Michigan State University (East Lansing) professor Joan Rose has been named the 2016 Stockholm Water Prize Laureate for her contributions to global public health including her research on microbial risk to human health in water. Announced at the United Nation’s World Water Day celebration in Geneva, professor Rose — who has dedicated her professional life to water quality and public health safety — also was recognized for her leadership in developing tools and guidelines for decision-makers and communities to improve global health.

At Michigan State University, professor Rose holds position of Homer Nowlin Chair in Water Research and is recognized as a leading world authority on water microbiology and the microorganism Cryptosporidium. Professor Rose and her team investigate waterborne disease outbreaks across the world to determine how they can be stopped and prevented. In 1988, she was the first person to present the widespread occurrence of Cryptosporidium in water supplies, and later was instrumental in establishing the 2004 World Health Organization (WHO) Drinking Water Standard, setting out a new WHO paradigm with direct effect on virtually all countries.

Founded in 1991, the Stockholm Water Prize is a global award presented annually by the Stockholm International Water Institute to an individual, organization or institution for outstanding water-related achievements.