Every year the CIWEM Rivers and Coastal Group committee presents the Jack Lewin prize to someone who has made a significant contribution to the rivers and coastal sector. In the past it was presented at the CIWEM Rivers and Coastal Group Conference and now it is usually presented at the Flood & Coast Conference and Exhibition.
History of the Prize
Formerly known as the Rivers and Coastal Group Chairman’s prize, it was renamed in 2010 after Professor Jack (Jacob) Lewin. Lewin, born in 1922 in East Prussia as it was then, was a survivor of Kristallnacht in 1938, and came to Britain the following year on the Kindertransport aged 16. Lewin learnt English at night school and started out as an apprentice draughtsman. He became one of the world’s leading experts in the design of hydraulic gates, writing the definitive book ‘Hydraulic Gates and Valves’ in 1995.
Lewin was an enthusiastic supporter of CIWEM and the Rivers and Coastal Group and donated a section of original wooden elm water pipe from his days with the Metropolitan Water Board to the RCG. The water pipe became the trophy for the Chairman’s Prize.
Following Lewin’s death in January 2010, the Rivers and Coastal Group chose to rename the Chairman’s prize in his honour. The name plate on the Elm Pipe trophy is now full-up of previous winners so is on display at CIWEM HQ. A new trophy was manufactured, and with Jack in mind, was made from parts of one of the UK’s famous flood gates - the Thames Barrier.
If you're interested in proposing an individual or team, complete the electronic nomination form. The deadline for submissions is 17:00 BST on Monday 26 May 2025. Candidates will be selected by the CIWEM Rivers and Coastal Group Chair. The organisers’ decision will be final.
To submit your nomination complete the electronic nomination form. Click the link to the form below:
Nomination FormFor full details about the prize and how to propose candidates to be considered for the prize, please view the guidelines below:
2023 – 2024
Clare Dinnis | Director of Wetland Conservation | Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, WWT
Clare Dinnis for her instrumental role in enabling a collaborative approach across government and partners to develop the Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Strategy (for England) published in 2020, and for forming the Women in FCERM initiative in 2018, which supports women and men in striving for gender diversity across the wider flood and coastal erosion sector.
2022 – 2023
Emma Wren | Technical Director, Nature-based Solutions | Mott MacDonald
Emma Wren for her commitment to striving for better understanding and management of river environments, both in her work to promote sustainable approaches and bring partners together, and for living those values through her commitments to volunteering and grassroots work.
2021-2022
Bryan Curtis | Chairman | CIWEM’s Coastal Group Network and Member | Southern Regional Flood and Coastal Committee
Bryan Curtis for their long history of contribution to Coastal Partnerships and coastal planning and issues, as well as contribution to the CIWEM Rivers and Coastal Group.
2019
Multi-agency group coordinating the emergency response to the Toddbrook Reservoir (Whaley Bridge) dam spillway collapse.
2018
Chris Broome
Chris Broome for a lifetime contribution and member of CIWEM East Midlands branch committee for more than 15 years.
Whether you are studying, actively looking to progress your career, or already extensively experienced, our membership will add value and recognition to your achievements. We can actively help you progress throughout your career.
Become a memberWe organise a wide portfolio of UK and international thought leading events, providing an industry recognised forum for debate, CPD and sector networking. These events also support our policy work and inform key initiatives.
View our events
CIWEM and CSL Ltd are part of the CIWEM Group.
CSL Ltd (CIWEM Services Limited). Registered in England and Wales. Company No. 3166701. Registered office address: 106-109 Saffron Hill, London EC1N 8QS.
CIWEM (The Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management) Registered Charity No. 1043409 (England & Wales) Registered Charity No. SCo38212 (Scotland). Registered office address: 106-109 Saffron Hill, London EC1N 8QS.
Charity website design by Studio Republic