Zahra Kalantari

Zahra Kalantari is at the forefront of addressing some of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time—how climate change and land management shape the future of our water resources. Her research explores global water system dynamics, examining the complex interplay between water availability, climate extremes, and human activities. By integrating geospatial intelligence, artificial intelligence, and advanced modeling, she develops innovative tools to predict and mitigate water-related risks, bridging the gap between science, policy, and real-world solutions.

As Director of WaterCentre@KTH, she leads transformative, interdisciplinary research to tackle the escalating challenges of climate change, water security, and sustainable development. She collaborates with scientists, industry leaders, policymakers, and civil society to drive innovation and inform policy action. She also leads the SATORI Research Lab, part of the Stockholm Trio for Sustainable Action, where experts from diverse disciplines develop groundbreaking sustainability solutions.

Her work focuses on climate resilience, cascading disasters, and nature-based solutions, addressing the growing risks of extreme weather events, floods, and droughts. By identifying vulnerabilities and harnessing nature-based and AI-driven approaches, she helps safeguard communities and ecosystems while advancing global sustainability goals.

Recognized as a leader in her field, she has secured prestigious research funding from institutions such as the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, the Swedish Research Council, and the EU’s Horizon Europe program. She also serves as an associate editor for top-tier scientific journals, shaping the global discourse on water and environmental science.