Aditya Bhatara
Swiss German University (SGU) proudly congratulates Della Rahmawati, S.Si., M.Si., Ph.D., Head of the Food Technology Study Program, for being awarded the prestigious L’Oreal-UNESCO For Women in Science 2024 on November 11, 2024. This accolade highlights her groundbreaking research focused on nutritional solutions specifically for pregnant women and children in Indonesia, underscoring the critical role of local food research in enhancing public health and nutrition.
Since 2014, Dr. Della has been dedicated to identifying and developing nutrient-rich food sources that are accessible and sustainable for Indonesians. Her key projects include a nori seasoning product inspired by Japanese furikake, created using kelakai (an indigenous Indonesian fern) and non-soy tempeh made from koro beans. These ingredients, unique to Indonesian flora, are densely packed with essential nutrients needed to support the health and development of mothers and children.
Her research journey has involved extensive fieldwork across Indonesia, studying diverse ecosystems such as peatlands and mineral-rich environments. Through this work, she discovered kelakai from Palangkaraya, an underutilized yet highly nutritious fern, and explored alternative varieties of tempe to maximize nutritional benefits.
Dr. Della’s award celebrates not only her individual accomplishments but also the wider impact of Indonesian women scientists in developing tangible solutions to pressing national health issues. Her achievements exemplify the capacity of local food technology to address public health needs innovatively, contributing to a healthier and more resilient society.
Swiss German University congratulates Dr. Della Rahmawati for her outstanding contributions to science and society and looks forward to supporting further advancements in her impactful research.