Gapurjan Hamrayev, Head of the Department of Hydrometeorology at the Magtymguly Turkmen State University, has been awarded the V.I. Vernadsky Gold Medal. The decision was taken by the Expert Council of the Academy of Continuing Education of the Russian Federation, according to AsmanNews, citing the newspaper ‘Neutral Turkmenistan’.

The award was granted for his contribution to the development of physical geography and the preservation of professional traditions. Hamrayev researches the deserts of Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan, focusing on the protection of engineering structures from sand drifts and the conservation of desert ecosystems.

The scientist takes part in expeditions to the Karakum Desert and teaches physical geography, geoecology, space-based methods in meteorology, and the hydrometeorological aspects of environmental protection.

Since 2012, Hamrayev has been a member of the Higher Professional Attestation Committee of the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan. Since 2023, he has been a doctoral student at the National Institute of Deserts, Flora and Fauna.

Previously, Hamrayev’s scientific work in the field of sand transport modelling and phytoremediation was recognised with awards and diplomas from Lomonosov Moscow State University and the Russian Academy of Natural Sciences.