At the International School of Lausanne (ISL), we celebrate students who combine academic excellence with a desire to create meaningful change. Mudit, a student in ISL’s International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in Year 12, recently exemplified this spirit through his outstanding performance at the 2025 Swiss National Science Fair, where he was named a finalist representing the canton of Vaud.
Mudit’s project, “Computer Vision AI for Monitoring Riverbank Width Using Satellite-Based Images to Identify Flood Risk Zones,” impressed both judges and peers for its scientific rigour and direct applicability to global environmental challenges. Drawing from his deep interest in both computer science and environmental studies, Mudit set out to investigate how artificial intelligence could support flood prevention strategies through the remote monitoring of riverbanks.
The inspiration for his project was personal and urgent. Having witnessed the devastating effects of flooding in parts of South Asia, where some of his family live, Mudit was motivated to find a technological solution that could offer early warning to communities at risk. Using open-source satellite imagery and training a machine learning model, he developed a method to detect changes in riverbank width over time—data that could be instrumental for local authorities and NGOs in planning and disaster mitigation. The International School of Lausanne is proud to support students like Mudit who apply their learning to address real-world challenges.
Developing the project required advanced technical knowledge and significant perseverance. One of the major challenges Mudit encountered was the complexity of working with large satellite datasets. Training a computer vision model to accurately interpret natural landscapes—shaped by shifting vegetation, cloud cover, and seasonal changes—demanded continuous refinement and iteration. Furthermore, the lack of readily available annotated data meant that he had to dedicate extensive time to curating and preprocessing his own datasets.
Despite these hurdles, the experience proved highly rewarding. Presenting his work at the national level in Zurich was a formative moment, offering Mudit valuable feedback from scientific experts and allowing him to engage with other innovative young minds from across Switzerland. He described the experience as humbling and energising, reaffirming his commitment to using technology in service of sustainability and environmental resilience.
Being selected as a finalist out of hundreds of national entries was a proud moment, both for Mudit personally and for the ISL community. The fair served as a powerful reminder of the potential that youth-led innovation holds in addressing global issues.
Mudit credits ISL’s educational environment for playing a significant role in his scientific journey. The school’s emphasis on inquiry-based learning, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary exploration provided him with the foundation and flexibility to pursue independent research alongside his IB coursework. Supportive teachers and a culture of curiosity enabled him to delve deeply into a complex topic that bridged computer science, geography, and environmental policy.
Looking ahead, Mudit hopes to continue working at the intersection of technology and environmental science. Whether through academic research or practical applications, his goal is to contribute to solutions that help make the world more sustainable and resilient. He is also keen to mentor younger students who are passionate about STEM fields, sharing his knowledge and encouraging others to take initiative in their own areas of interest.
For students aspiring to participate in science fairs or research competitions, Mudit offers a simple but powerful piece of advice: “Start with something you are passionate about. It does not need to be perfect at first—curiosity and perseverance are what matter most. And remember, science is collaborative. Never hesitate to seek out mentors, resources, or peers to help guide your process.”
Mudit’s journey is a example of the innovation and initiative we aim to cultivate at ISL. His project not only earned recognition on a national stage but also exemplifies the values we cherish: curiosity, courage, and a commitment to making a positive impact.
Congratulations to Mudit on this incredible achievement.