A pioneering computer scientist has been honoured with a purple plaque at her former university.

Dr Iris Kramer returned to the University of Southampton to unveil the plaque, which she hopes will inspire the next generation of women in science.

The plaque has been awarded to Dr Kramer to mark her UKRI Women in Innovation Award, which recognises her achievements as a pioneer in science and business.

UKRI (UK Research and Innovation) introduced purple plaques in 2022 to celebrate women's achievements in science, similar to the blue plaques marking the accomplishments of influential individuals.

Dr Kramer studied archaeology before completing her Master’s and PhD in Computer Science at the University of Southampton.

In 2020, she founded ArchAI, a company that uses AI to digitise objects from LiDAR, satellite imagery, and historic maps.

ArchAI focuses on habitat restoration, conservation, and sustainable land planning.

Dr Kramer said: "Receiving this plaque is a wonderful recognition of the success of ArchAI to date. I’m proud that our work is providing national-scale insights that were previously unimaginable through traditional methods.

"Our projects continue to make valuable contributions to research, and we’re fortunate to maintain strong collaborations with the University of Southampton, driving innovation forward through both academic and commercial partnerships.

"Having this plaque at the University of Southampton is so meaningful to me. It represents the amazing support I’ve had from people across various departments, all of whom encouraged me to dream big and gave me the space to turn those dreams into something that’s now making a real difference."

Dr Kramer collaborates with the construction industry, the Forestry Commission, the National Trust, and other environmental organisations to support sustainable land use planning, habitat restoration, and conservation.

In 2022, her innovative vision for ArchAI and the company's success earned her a place in the Forbes 30 Under 30 list.

The purple plaque is now permanently located at the university’s Highfield Campus, in Building 32, University Road, where Dr Kramer studied for her PhD.