Promoting Impactful Research for Young Sri Lankan Scientists: SLAYS Conference 2019
The Sri Lankan Academy of Young Scientists ( SLAYS) hosted their 3rd annual international conference on the 16th of October 2019 at Taj Samudra, Colombo.
Centred around ‘ Research for Impact: March of the Sri Lankan Young Scientists’ which is a continued theme from previous years, this conference provides a common platform that unifies young scientists around the country.
Established in 2012, SLAYS is a multi-disciplinary team of young scientists and professionals in Sri Lanka who believe that young scientists in the country should play a key role in producing impactful research and safeguarding the quality of research. According to incumbent President of SLAYS, Dr.
Chamindri Witharana, ‘We want to empower young researchers by promoting research, sharing best approaches for impactful research and providing networking opportunities.’
The SLAYS 2019 International Conference was a great success, with several globally acclaimed and eminent international and Sri Lankan scientists and leading industrialists sharing their experience and knowledge to an audience of over 170 participants.
The inauguration ceremony was graced by the chief guest, Eng. Sanath Panawenna, Director General and CEO, Arthur C Clark Center for Modern Technologies; Prof. Chandrika Wijayarathne, Vice- Chancellor, University of Colombo; Dr. Ranjith Mahindapala, President, National Academy of Sciences of Sri Lanka and Prof. Ananda Jayawardena, Director General, National Science Foundation (NSF).
The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Sahal Yacoob, a leading scientist in Particle Physics from the University of Cape Town, South Africa.
The conference was split into two main sessions tackling various facets of impactful research, and featured insightful talks by prominent speakers and panel discussions, spurring dialogue with the audience.
The first session featured Prof. Linehard Schmitz ( Professor of Biochemistry, University of Giessen, Germany) who discussed ‘How to Pitch Your Research’, while Dr. Jennifer Sjölund ( Scientific
P ro g ramme Coord i n a t o r, International Foundation for Science, Sweden) spoke on ‘Empowering Young Researchers: Tips for Winning Grants’. Dr. Nandadasa Narayana, Founder Chairman, Flexport Innovation also shared his experiences.
During the second session, Prof. Amala de Silva ( Dept. of Economics, University of Colombo) discussed research and policies, Dr. Dilru Ratnaweera ( Head of Discovery Labs, MAS Holdings) urged ‘ Innovative Thinking’ and Dr. Miyuru Chandradasa ( Consultant Psychiatrist, University of Kelaniya) spoke on ‘Balancing Lab and Life’. Dr. Asanka Pallewatte ( SLAYS President Elect) also discussed SLAYS’ pioneering outreach programme towards society.
In addition, the highly anticipated grand finale of the “3 minute research presentation competition3MT®” was held during the conference. Conducted under the guidance of the University of Queensland, Australia who developed 3MT®, this year’s competition saw 10 MPhil/ PhD students from local universities vie for the title.
Ms. Sathya Sambavathas from University of Jaffna emerged champion for her research on ‘Sri Lankan Spices for Alzheimer’s’, winning USD 1,000/- ( donated by Mrs. Maithree Perera) and the opportunity to represent Sri Lanka at the AsiaPacific 3MT competition.
The People’s Choice award, sponsored by Hayley’s Lifesciences, went to Ms. Hemavaruni Nisansala Fernando from University of Jayewardenepura, for her presentation on ‘Antimicrobial Activity of Garcinol Mediated Metal Nanopar t i cles and Metal Complexes’.
The 3MT awards were presented by the Chief Guest Prof. Mohan
Munasinghe ( Founder Chairman of the Munasinghe Institute of Development ( MIND); Vice Chair of the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change), Guest of Honour, Prof Rohan Samarajiva ( Chairman, ICT Agency of Sri Lanka; Fo u n d i n g C h a i r, LIRNEasia) and Mr. Wasaba Jayasekera ( Managing Director, Hayleys Aventura).
SLAYS 2019 International Conference was sponsored by Hayleys Lifesciences, Twinery by MAS, Biomedite, Orange and Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB). In addition, NSF awarded SLAYS the International Partnerships for Science and Technology ( IPSAT) grant.
Written by Dimuthu Sachiko de Silva based on information provided by Dr. Chamindri Witharana, President of SLAYS