Jakarta – The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) has once again recognized the country’s top talents in aerospace research through the Nurtanio Award for Outstanding Talent and the Nurtanio Pringgoadisuryo Memorial Lecture 2024. This prestigious event, held at the Sumitro Djojohadikusumo Auditorium, B.J. Habibie Building, Jakarta, on Tuesday (11/26/24), saw the award presented directly by BRIN Head, Laksana Tri Handoko.

One of this year’s awardees is Prof. Ir. Lavi Rizki Zuhal, Ph.D., a Professor of Aerodynamics at the Faculty of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (FTMD), Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB). This accolade acknowledges his dedication and significant contributions to advancing science and technology, particularly in aviation and aerospace, both nationally and internationally.

The Nurtanio Award, which has been presented annually since 2022, is a prestigious recognition for figures and scientists who contribute to the aviation and aerospace fields. This year’s event was accompanied by a discussion titled “National Aerospace Research and Innovation Ecosystem Talks,” serving as a strategic forum for fostering collaboration in aerospace research.

BRIN Head, Laksana Tri Handoko, emphasized that the award aims to motivate society to continuously develop science and technology in the aviation and aerospace sectors.

“Additionally, this award is expected to produce excellent human resources capable of developing technology for the welfare of the Indonesian nation,” Handoko stated.

Prof. Lavi, currently serving as the Vice Dean for Academic Affairs at FTMD ITB, is renowned for his research in fluid mechanics, solid mechanics, and computational sciences, with applications in aerospace engineering. He has published 92 scientific articles in journals and proceedings, both international and national, and has a record of 41 research projects. In his acceptance speech, he expressed his honor at receiving the award.

“I am honored to contribute to a field closely related to the advancement of aerospace science and technology,” he said.

His research focuses on the mathematical modeling of complex systems, particle-based computational methods, and multidisciplinary design development using machine learning algorithms. Prof. Lavi has also patented several of his works, such as the Method for Identifying Objects Using Color Segmentation and Cross Correlation (2007) and the Low Torque Radiator Fan (2018).

In addition to his achievements, Prof. Lavi places great emphasis on nurturing the younger generation. He stressed the importance of courage in innovation.

“My message to the younger generation is to always stay curious, dare to experiment, and not fear failure,” he advised.

With this award, Prof. Lavi Rizki Zuhal not only brings pride to FTMD ITB but also inspires the future of Indonesian research and innovation.