Prasanti Widyasih Sarli, Ph.D., a lecturer and researcher from Institut Teknologi Bandung's (ITB) Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, has received the prestigious 2024 For Women in Science (FWIS) Award from L’Oréal-UNESCO. The award, presented in Jakarta on November 11, 2024, celebrates young female scientists who contribute to sustainable development and societal progress through innovative research.

Dr. Sarli earned the award for her project titled Resilience for All: Indonesian Large Scale Housing Assessment. This initiative explores the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to assess structural vulnerabilities through photographic analysis. “We’re developing AI technology capable of identifying building typologies from images, such as Google Street View, to map risk affordably and efficiently,” she said.

The project addresses critical challenges in developing nations, where centralized and digitized building data often remain inaccessible. “Understanding the structural makeup of homes, schools, government buildings, and bridges is crucial for accurate risk analysis,” Dr. Sarli emphasized. Her pilot study currently focuses on Bandung and Padang, with plans to expand across West Java.

The journey to this recognition was rigorous. In August, encouraged by a senior researcher from BRIN, Dr. Sarli submitted her proposal. She advanced to the final round, presenting her research to a panel of judges in October. “The process was intense, with only five minutes to explain our work. I wasn’t entirely confident, but I’m grateful to have succeeded,” she shared.

Dr. Sarli’s passion for structural engineering is deeply rooted in its impact on civilization. Quoting Princeton’s late Professor David Billington, she remarked, “Civilization is civil works, and when these deteriorate, so does society.” This philosophy drives her dedication to ensuring structural safety and societal progress.

While the FWIS recognition is a significant milestone, Dr. Sarli views it as a step toward her ultimate goal: creating impactful solutions for Indonesia and beyond. “Awards like this affirm that I’m on the right path. But they’re just stepping stones. The real goal is making a tangible difference,” she noted.

Dr. Sarli’s success reflects ITB’s commitment to advancing AI and fostering innovation in Indonesia. Her work exemplifies how technology and engineering can address global challenges while improving lives at home.