Water woman award for world-leading expert at Andel

A world-leading environmental chemist at Andel has won an award for her work in water sustainability and environmental protection.

Devakunjari Vadibeler, won the ‘Water Woman Award for Societal Impact/Knowledge Transfer’ earlier this month having only joined Andel, the UK’s leading developer of specialised leak detection, water sustainability and environmental protection systems, 18 months ago.

Having completed a doctoral study in Isotope Hydrology from the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria, Deva joined Andel working in the R&D team at the prestigious Nexus building on the University of Leeds campus.

Since then, she has helped develop techniques to support product development and installations of affordable flood defense systems for homeowners.

The Water Woman Award rewards the achievements of women whose work contributes to the objectives of water@leeds in securing competitive research funds, producing world-class research or achieving significant societal impact.

Deva Vadibeler said: “I’m truly privileged to receive this award. Being a scientist is all I’ve ever wanted to be, pursuing my passion of turning research into real-world solutions. This recognition has fuelled me to keep on going and to push the boundaries even further.

“I hope my journey – in some little way – will inspire other women to have confidence in themselves as they boldly carve a path in the wonderful world of science and innovation.”

Panel chair and awards founder, professor Julia Martin-Ortega, is associate director of water@leeds. She said: “We’re surrounded by inspirational colleagues, who deserve to be recognised and celebrated as role models and the Water Woman Award provides a brilliant platform to showcase the amazing contribution and achievement of those hardworking, talented colleagues. We want to shine a light on their efforts in an academic world in which the hurdles are still greater for women.

“The panel was very impressed with Devakunjari’s innovative, empathetic, solution-based approach to an issue she herself had experienced. Her positive impact on the communities and individuals she works with is clear, as is her positive mindset when faced with challenges. She is – and will continue to be – an inspiration to those following in her footsteps.”

Peter Double, managing director of Andel, said: “We are so proud of Deva not only in winning this award but in all she has achieved while working with us. It is only with people like Deva in our team that we continue to innovate and win the sustainability awards that we do. Huge congratulations to her.”

Each of the category winners will receive £1,000 which will be transferred into their staff development account.