Organized by the Faculty of Postgraduate Studies & Research (FPSR) at Sri Lanka Technology Campus, a recent panel discussion explored how student projects and academic research can evolve beyond coursework to generate industry-relevant solutions, entrepreneurial ventures, and meaningful societal impact.
The session featured a distinguished and interdisciplinary panel representing expertise across med-tech innovation, medical and academic research, engineering and policy leadership, and data science
- Eng.Kosala Jayasundara, Founder, DiabSense / ExcelTech O脺
- Prof.Shervanthi Homer-Vanniasinkam, Consultant Vascular Surgeon, Leeds Vascular Institute, Leeds General Infirmary; Founding Professor of Surgery, University of Warwick; Professor in Engineering, University College London; Senior Academic & Research Advisor, SLTC
- Prof.Saman Bandara, Dean, Faculty of Engineering, SLTC
- Eng. Chameera de Silva, Head, Department of Data Science, Faculty of Computing & IT, SLTC
馃挕 Key Takeaways for Students
路 Decide early what your project aims for: research, industry application, or starting a venture.
路 Build strong subject knowledge-great ideas are always rooted in solid fundamentals.
路 Connect and collaborate across disciplines-some of the best innovations happen where fields overlap.
路 Think about how your work could be applied in the real world, its market potential, and societal value.
路 Stay consistent, disciplined, and focused
It was a valuable discussion encouraging students to see their academic work as a starting point for innovation and real-world impact.