The LandScan HD Novel Improvements Team — Jacob Arndt, Philipe Ambrozio Dias, Justin Epting, Dalton Lunga, Jessica Moehl, Joe Pyle, Andrew Reith, Darrell Roddy, Benjamin Swan, Marie Urban, Sarah Walters and Carson Woody — received the Director’s Award for Research Accomplishment in Science and Technology for their development of AI-driven building-damage indicators and rapid population updates. Over the last year, the LandScan HD Team has developed novel, innovative methods to rapidly assess infrastructure damage in armed conflict zones and areas affected by natural disasters. The team’s work has significantly enhanced situational awareness, supporting critical decision-making by the Intelligence Community, Department of State, White House and Pentagon. These innovative tools have been crucial for emergency response efforts, helping inform planning, preparedness and recovery operations.

Awards Night provided a special opportunity to celebrate the outstanding contributions of ORNL’s staff, highlighting the laboratory’s significant impact on East Tennessee and the nation. These awards serve as a reminder of ORNL’s vital role in advancing scientific discovery and addressing some of the country’s most pressing challenges.

UT-Battelle manages ORNL for DOE’s Office of Science, the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States. The Office of Science is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information, please visit energy.gov/science.

This Oak Ridge National Laboratory news article "ORNL Director’s Awards recognize excellence in innovation, leadership" was originally found on https://www.ornl.gov/news