Dr. Chamindri Witharana, President of The Sri Lanka Academy of Young Scientists presents a plack to Dr. Sahal Yacoob, University of Cape Town, South Africa / Representative, Global Young Academy. Click to enlarge. Photo: ©Fos Media

Promoting Impactful Research with the Sri Lanka Academy for Young Scientists

2019-10-16

On 16 October 2019, the Sri Lanka Academy for Young Scientists (SLAYS) held an international conference in Colombo, Sri Lanka on the theme of “Promoting Impactful Research”. 

1. Dr. Chamindri Witharana, President, Sri Lanka Academy of Young Scientists. 2. Prof. Chandrika Wijeratne, Vice-Chancellor, University of Colombo lights the oil lamp. 3. Dr. Jennifer Sjölund, International Foundation for Science, Sweden gives the talk “Empowering Young Researchers: Tips for Winning Grants”. Click to enlarge. Photo: ©Fos Media

Jennifer Sjöland, International Foundation for science; Dr. Nandadasa Narayana, Founder and Chair of Flexport Innovation, Dr. Chamindri Witharana, President, Sri Lanka Academy of Young Scientists Prof Lienhard SchmitzProfessor of Biochemistry, University of Giessen, Germany. Click to enlarge. Photo: ©Fos Media

SLAYS International Conference 2019 External link, opens in new window.

With about 200 members, SLAYS aims to support the careers of young scientists, promote international collaborations, develop research policy and engage in outreach activities. Speakers came from abroad and within Sri Lankan academic institutions. The talks ranged from practical tips about pitching research and winning grants to research policies and work-life balance. The conference concluded with a Three Minute Thesis Presentation Competition. Representing international young academies were Dr. Sahal Yacoob of the Global Young Academy and Young Academy of Sweden's Virginia Langum, Associate Professor in English Literature at Umeå University.