In a notable triumph for women in science, Dr. Neni Sintawardani, a distinguished senior researcher at the Research Center for Environmental and Clean Technology within the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) of Indonesia, has been awarded the prestigious Underwriters Laboratories-ASEAN-U.S. Science Prize for Women in 2021. Dr. Neni's groundbreaking work in the field of sustainable waste treatment and community sanitation has not only transformed the lives of countless individuals in Indonesia but has also earned her global recognition.

Empowering Women and Children for Lasting Change

Dr. Neni's journey is marked by her dedication to addressing the sanitation challenges faced by women and children in underserved communities across the ASEAN region. She emphasizes the pivotal role women and children play as "agents of change" capable of influencing and reshaping perceptions about hygiene and sanitation. Recognizing the complexity of the sanitation problem, Dr. Neni has dedicated her career to developing sustainable technological solutions that communities can autonomously manage, adapting them to local conditions.

A Remarkable Journey of Dedication and Excellence

Dr. Neni's remarkable career in waste treatment began with a pivotal five-year stint as a Visiting-Researcher in Braunschweig, Germany, where she explored the application of fixed-bed anaerobic reactors for agricultural waste treatment. Her pioneering work in this area earned her a doctoral degree from the University of Hohenheim in Stuttgart, Germany.

An unexpected opportunity arose when she discovered the Underwriters Laboratories-ASEAN-U.S. Science Prize for Women competition with its "clean technology" theme in 2021. Despite the tight deadline, Dr. Neni's decision to apply proved to be a turning point, leading to her exceptional success in the competition.

Transformative Research Insights and Impactful Solutions

Dr. Neni's research focuses on liquid waste treatment, the utilization of treated water, and the enhancement of community sanitation. She and her team developed an anaerobic multi-stage fixed bed reactor capable of processing organic-polluted tofu wastewater, producing biogas as a by-product. This biogas now serves as a sustainable cooking fuel for 88 households, reducing their reliance on traditional fuels.

Additionally, Dr. Neni's team developed a composting toilet system in an elementary school in Bandung, West Java. This innovative system not only produces fertilizer and compost but also effectively treats polluted water and wastewater, contributing to the reduction of water pollution in rivers and safeguarding freshwater supplies.

Inspiring Change Beyond Borders

Winning the Science Prize for Women in 2021 has invigorated Dr. Neni's commitment to advancing waste treatment technologies. She remains steadfast in her mission to promote community participation and education about building business models based on new technology. Dr. Neni's vision extends beyond Indonesia, emphasizing culturally sensitive approaches to water use and sanitation throughout the ASEAN region.

With the support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Dr. Neni's tireless efforts continue to pave the way for a cleaner, more sustainable future, leaving an indelible mark on communities and individuals throughout the region. Her dedication and innovation serve as an inspiration, encouraging the next generation of scientists, particularly women, to pursue STEM fields and contribute to lasting positive change.