Eureka Prize winner, renowned Professor Karu Esselle inspires UTS College Sri Lanka Students with a special seminar on Satellite Communications
In a resounding achievement, Distinguished Professor Karu Esselle, originally from Sri Lanka and currently leading the Electromagnetic and Antenna Engineering department at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), has secured the prestigious 2023 Eureka Prize for Outstanding Science in Safeguarding Australia. The Eureka Prizes, often dubbed the “Oscars” of Australian Science, are organised by the Australian Museum and acknowledge excellence in research, innovation, leadership, and science education.
Professor Karu Esselle, a worldrenowned expert in telecommunications, defence, and space technologies, led his MetaSteerers team to clinch the coveted award, making it a remarkable addition to his extensive collection of over 25 prestigious accolades. The Eureka Prize holds special significance, as Professor Karu is the only person to be selected as a finalist three times within four years, a testament to his unparalleled contributions to science.
The MetaSteerers team’s groundbreaking research in collaboration with Australia’s Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) produced outcomes crucial for safeguarding Australia. Professor Karu’s innovative MetaSteering method, applied to address challenges in defense projects, involves steering electromagnetic radiation without physically moving the antenna, offering significant advantages in high-gain antenna systems for defense, telecommunications, and space applications.
What sets this Eureka Prize apart is the rarity of engineers receiving such honors. Professor Karu attributes the recognition to the exceptional scientific outcomes achieved by his team, emphasising the significance from both engineering and scientific perspectives.
The MetaSteerers team, nominated by Australia’s first astronaut Dr. Paul Scully-Power, includes two other researchers from the Sri Lankan community in Australia, Dr. Manik Attygalle and Dr. Dush Thalakotuna. The team’s diversity, with members from various countries including India, Pakistan, Russia, and Bangladesh, highlights the global collaboration behind their success.
Journey to success
Professor Karu Esselle’s journey to becoming a “serial winner” includes receiving ten prestigious awards in the last two years alone. His modesty shines through as he attributes these achievements to the collective efforts of his team and collaborators, acknowledging the invaluable support that contributed to their success.
Beyond his groundbreaking research, Professor Karu is actively engaged in addressing national and global challenges. He leads a $1.1 million research project to tackle the “Digital Divide” in Australia, aiming to enhance internet connectivity in remote regions using low-earthorbit satellite constellations.
Visit to UTS College Sri Lanka
Professor Karu Esselle visited UTS College Sri Lanka, a fully owned entity of the University of Technology Sydney, on 12th January to conduct a special seminar on Satellite Communications for UTS
College Engineering and IT students. It was an inspiring and engaging session which gave many insights into the filed of satellite communications and its applications.
In a heartfelt message to the community, Professor Karu Esselle encourages individuals to pursue their passions with maximum effort, emphasizing that success is a byproduct of dedication rather than the pursuit of awards. His dedication to advancing humanity through science and engineering, coupled with his humble demeanor, has earned him admiration and respect within and beyond the academic realm.
As a world leader in his field, Distinguished Professor Dr. Eng. Karunanayake (Karu) Pathirannahalage Asoka Priyathama Esselle stands as a beacon of inspiration, showcasing the transformative power of research and dedication on a global scale.
About UTS
UTS is a dynamic and innovative university, ranked as Australia’s top young university, and 90th in the world in the QS World University Rankings 2024, reflecting its strength in employability, research, teaching, and internationalisation.
UTS College Sri Lanka prepares students for entry to all UTS undergraduate courses though the UTS Foundation Studies Programme and offers Diplomas of Business, Engineering, IT and Science. When students complete their first year at UTS College Sri Lanka, they are ready to move into second year at UTS in Sydney to complete their UTS degree .
Enrolments now open
UTS College Sri Lanka has already opened enrolments for the February intake, (students can apply with pending A-levels) and there are advantages for those who make an early start. Students who enrol before 30th of January are entitled to a 50% waiver on registration fees. UTS College Sri Lanka also offers academic merit scholarships up to 100 percent.
To find out more details about the range of courses available at UTS College Sri Lanka, and how to take advantage of scholarship opportunities both here and in Australia, please visit or call 0774 775 774.