Piergiuseppe Morone is Full Professor of Economic Policy at Unitelma Sapienza with a strong interest in green innovation and sustainable circular bioeconomy pushing his research at the interface between innovation economics and sustainability transitions, an area of enquiry that has attracted growing attention over the last decade. His work regularly appears in prestigious innovation and environmental economics journals. In 2023 published with Cambridge University Press a textbook on The Circular Bioeconomy - Theories and Tools for Economists and Sustainability Scientists.

He is the coordinator of the Bioeconomy in Transition Research Group (BiT-RG) and the director of the School of Sustainability Studies and Circular Economy (SUSTAIN). Moreover, he is/was involved in several European projects (including: H2020, BBI-JU, Life, Erasmus+, COST, Horizon Europe and CBE-JU) acting as scientific coordinator, vice-chair and WP Leader. He was Economic advisor to the Italian Minister of the Environment, Land and Sea Protection, till February 2021. Piergiuseppe is Editor in Chief of Societal Impacts (ELSEVIER) and Associate Editor of several other prestigious journals.

Since April 2022 Piergiuseppe is the vice-chair of the Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU) Scientific Committee.

Dr. Jane E. Stewart is an Associate Professor of Plant Pathology in the Department of Agricultural Biology at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado, USA. Her research focuses on forest, shade, and fruit trees, addressing critical issues in tree health through the lens of plant pathology. Dr. Stewart brings extensive expertise in fungal biology, population genetics and genomics, molecular diagnostics, and the management of plant pathogens particularly invasive and emerging pathogens affecting trees.

Over the course of her career, Dr. Stewart has published more than 100 scholarly manuscripts spanning various forest and tree crop pathosystems. Her research emphasizes the speciation of tree pathogens and explores host-pathogen interactions at multiple levels, from the microbiome to the molecular scale. She is also actively engaged in developing practical management strategies to combat tree diseases and enhance sustainable forestry and agriculture.

In addition to her research, Dr. Stewart teaches undergraduate and graduate courses at Colorado State University. Her undergraduate course, Tree Health and Management, covers a wide array of tree diseases and insect pests along with their management practices. She also teaches a graduate-level course on Fungal Biology and Genetics, sharing her deep knowledge and research experience with the next generation of plant pathologists.

Dr. Stewart’s research program has a global focus, aiming to improve understanding of the biology, ecology, genetics, and management of emerging tree pathogenic fungi. She currently serves as Editor-in-Chief of the internationally recognized journal Forest Pathology, reflecting her leadership and influence in the field.

Characterizing Patterns Associated with Airborne Microbial Communities in Forest and Grassland Ecosystems

Understanding how and what types of microorganisms move through the air is important for early warning detection systems for human and ecosystem health. The atmosphere harbors a diverse and dynamic reservoir of microorganisms, yet their distribution, especially for fungi, in the atmosphere and response to environmental variation remains a subject of ongoing investigation. In this study, we compared airborne bacterial and fungal communities in subalpine forest and steppe grassland sites, over diel, vertical, and seasonal gradients. Air samples were collected at three heights over four months at the subalpine forest with concurrent sampling in the steppe grassland during two of those months. We observed that fungal communities had greater site-specific variability and sensitivity to environmental factors than bacterial communities. This was most apparent in the subalpine forest, where vertical stratification and diel cycles significantly structured microbial diversity. In comparison, bacterial communities were temporally dynamic but showed weaker responses to local environmental conditions and minimal site-level differences. This may indicate broader dispersal and a ubiquitous set of bacterial taxa. Environmental drivers such as atmospheric moisture and air pressure influenced microbial beta-diversity in the subalpine forest, while air temperature and wind speed impacted diversity in the steppe grassland, again highlighting ecosystem-specific responses. Despite compositional differences, a group of shared bacterial and fungal taxa was consistently detected across sites. Most of these shared taxa were detected at greater heights in the subalpine forest. This, along with wind patterns moving eastward from the subalpine forest towards the steppe grassland, indicates potential atmospheric transport between sites, with taxa dispersal being filtered by height. These results underscore the role of ecosystem structure, meteorological conditions, and air mass movement in shaping the aerobiome. Our data suggest that airborne microbial communities are shaped by both local emission and long-range atmospheric transport processes.

Keywords: Aerobiome, ecosystems, microbial diversity, transport .

Professor Janaka Yasantha Ruwanpura is a highly respected academic, researcher, and global leader in construction engineering, project management, and international higher education. He is currently a Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at the Schulich School of Engineering, University of Calgary. He recently concluded over 11 years of service as the Vice-Provost and Associate Vice-President Research (International), during which he significantly advanced the university’s international engagement and reputation.

During his tenure as Vice-Provost International, Professor Ruwanpura played a pivotal role in shaping and implementing the University of Calgary’s international strategy. His leadership led to the creation of several collaborative degree programs, research partnerships in countries like China and Mexico, and the acquisition of more than $57 million in research and infrastructure funding. He also secured over $25 million in international development grants and more than $5 million for student research internships through MITACS. Notably, he became the first Canadian and non-American to be elected Executive Chair (2019–2021) of the Commission of International Initiatives of the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities (APLU).

Professor Ruwanpura’s work has earned him numerous prestigious accolades, including the Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Award (2022) and fellowships with the Canadian Academy of Engineering (FCAE), the Engineering Institute of Canada (FEIC), the Canadian Society for Civil Engineering (FCSCE), and the National Academy of Construction, USA (NAC). In 2022, he was also recognized as a Gold Seal Certified Professional by the Canadian Construction Association.

Abstract Title : Igniting Research Excellence: Building the Next Generation University for Global Impact

This plenary will present an evidence-based eleven-point framework for advancing institutional research excellence, drawing on global best practices and implementation experience from leading universities. The framework emphasizes transdisciplinary research clusters, targeted funding strategies, publication culture, international collaborations, and industry-engaged innovation. It also highlights internal enablers such as performance-linked incentives, structured research support, and the role of postdoctoral and community engagement. Using this framework, the presentation proposes a tailored roadmap for developing a comprehensive Research Strategy for the University of Kelaniya. Key components include aligning research with national and global priorities, building flagship institutes, and strengthening partnerships for co-funded, high-impact research. The session will demonstrate how strategic planning and structured implementation can transform research ecosystems, improve institutional rankings, and position universities as regional leaders in innovation, knowledge creation, and sustainable development..

Dr. Channa De Silva is a Professor and Department Head of Chemistry & Physics at Western Carolina University, USA. He completed his B.S. degree in Chemistry with First-Class Honors at the University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, in 2000 and earned his Ph.D. in Chemistry with a GPA of 4.0 from the University of Arizona, USA, in 2007. From 2008 to 2010, he worked as a Research Associate at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, in Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Arizona, and the Bio5 Institute at the University of Arizona, USA. His research focuses on developing metal-based nanomaterials for biotechnological applications and conducting computational studies of materials containing lanthanide and actinide metals.

Dr. De Silva has received numerous teaching and research awards, including the University of North Carolina Board of Governors Award for Excellence in Teaching, USA (2024), the Brinson Honors College’s Faculty and Staff Excellence Award, Western Carolina University (2024), the Chancellor’s Distinguished Teaching Award (2024), Winner, FACULTY 3 Minute Research Talk (3MR), Western Carolina University, USA (2024), Teaching Award from the College of Arts & Sciences at Western Carolina University (2022), Visiting Faculty Program Scholar from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) (2021), SoCon Faculty Member of the Year Award (2019), and Innovative Scholarship Award (2017).

In his free time, he enjoys playing music, including Sri Lankan music, northern Indian music, and an American folk genre called Appalachian music.

Abstract Title : Artificial Intelligence in Chemistry Research: Transforming Discovery, Design, and Education

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping the landscape of chemical research and education, offering transformative capabilities across molecular design, reaction prediction, process optimization, and teaching. Recent advancements highlight AI’s growing role in both undergraduate and graduate-level chemistry, with applications spanning drug discovery, materials science, and sustainable chemical engineering. AI-driven platforms such as ChemCopilot and IBM RXN are streamlining retrosynthesis planning, reaction yield prediction, and real-time process monitoring. Large Language Models (LLMs), including finetuned systems like GVIM, are being integrated into intelligent research assistants capable of molecular visualization, SMILES string processing, and literature retrieval. These tools not only enhance research productivity but also democratize access to advanced computational methods. Educationally, AI’s integration into chemistry curricula is gaining momentum. Workshops and teacher training programs are fostering Technological Content Knowledge (TCK), preparing educators to bridge the gap between scientific innovation and classroom instruction. The 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, awarded for AlphaFold’s protein structure prediction, underscores AI’s interdisciplinary impact and its relevance to future career pathways. Despite its promise, challenges remain in data quality, model interpretability, and ethical deployment. Addressing these issues is essential to ensure scientifically sound and socially beneficial outcomes. This abstract invite discussion on the strategic incorporation of AI into chemistry research and education, emphasizing its potential to accelerate discovery, enhance pedagogy, and prepare students for AI-driven scientific careers.

Prof. Rajesh Shah is a distinguished artist and academic in the field of Indian Classical Instrumental Music, specializing in the sitar. Born on June 15, 1966, into a culturally rich Gujarati family, he inherited his passion for classical music from his father, Sri Narottam Das Shah. Over the course of his illustrious career, Dr. Shah has established himself as a leading figure in sitar performance, pedagogy, and music composition, contributing significantly to the propagation and preservation of India’s classical music heritage.

Currently serving as a Professor in the Department of Instrumental Music at the Faculty of Performing Arts, Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Prof. Shah has also held key academic positions, including Dean of the Faculty and Head of the Department. A Grade ‘A’ artist of All India Radio and Doordarshan, he is renowned for his solo sitar recitals, jugalbandis (duets), and orchestral compositions, both in India and abroad.

Prof. Shah’s musical foundation was shaped by the rigorous training he received under the guidance of Late Sri Govind Raoji Nayak and the late Dr. Ramdas Chakravarti of BHU, followed by advanced tutelage from Pt. Amarnath Mishra of the Banaras Gharana. Deeply rooted in the Saini Gharana tradition, his sitar style is noted for its clarity, creativity, and expressive depth.

An active performer, Prof. Shah has presented concerts and conducted workshops across Europe, Central Asia, the Middle East, and South Asia, including notable appearances in Germany, Austria, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Mauritius, UAE, and Nepal. In addition to his international reach, he is a respected educator who has mentored over 16 Ph.D. scholars and numerous postgraduate students. Many of his disciples now serve as faculty members in reputed universities and cultural institutions worldwide.

His commitment to inclusive education is exemplified by his longstanding work with visually impaired students, whom he has trained in the intricate art of sitar performance. He has also composed and directed several orchestral works specifically for visually impaired musicians, earning recognition at international platforms such as Vienna and across Indian cities.

Prof. Shah has authored the book "Sitar Vigyan: Prayog Evam Shastra" and contributed extensively to academic journals and conference proceedings at both national and international levels. His research interests span from traditional raga interpretation to music therapy, music education, and comparative musicology.

Beyond teaching and performance, he has served on various academic and administrative bodies, including as a member of Boards of Studies and selection committees in universities such as Visva Bharati University, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Awadh University, and M.S. University, Baroda. He has also acted as a convener and resource person in numerous interdisciplinary workshops and seminars focused on Indian classical music.

Through his artistic excellence, academic contributions, and inclusive teaching philosophy, Prof. Rajesh Shah continues to be a guiding force in the world of Indian classical instrumental music.

Abstract Title : Rendition of Similar Ragas in North Indian Classical Music

North Indian Classical Music, or Hindustani music, is built upon the intricate and deeply aesthetic concept of the raga — a melodic framework for improvisation and composition. Each raga is defined by a unique set of notes (swaras), characteristic phrases (pakad), and mood (rasa), which together create a distinct identity. However, within this rich system exists a fascinating phenomenon — the presence of similar ragas, whose tonal structures and emotional colors overlap, yet whose renditions must remain distinct through nuanced expression.

Many ragas share the same or nearly identical scales but differ in their treatment, ornamentation, and emphasized notes. For instance, Raga Desh and Raga Khamaj both use the komal nishad (flat seventh) and shuddha nishad (natural seventh), yet their melodic contours and emotional intent diverge significantly. Desh evokes the freshness of monsoon and a feeling of longing, while Khamaj carries a romantic and serene flavor. Similarly, Raga Bhupali and Raga Deshkar share the pentatonic scale (using Sa Re Ga Pa Dha), but the former flows with a lyrical, devotional sweetness, while the latter projects brightness and vigor through sharper tonal emphasis and a more forceful rendition.

The distinction among similar ragas primarily depends on intonation, movement, and emphasis. The vadi (most prominent note) and samvadi (second most prominent note) play a crucial role in shaping the identity of a raga. Ornamentations such as meend (glide), kan swar (grace note), and gamak (oscillation) further add character. The choice of tempo (laya), rhythmic cycle (tala), and mood (bhava) also influences how the listener perceives one raga from another, even when the note structures are similar.

Experienced performers internalize these subtleties through years of training under the guru-shishya parampara. A successful rendition of similar ragas demands deep understanding and restraint — knowing precisely how to explore the raga’s potential without encroaching upon the domain of another. The artist’s improvisation (vistar, alap, taan) must unfold within the grammar of the chosen raga, revealing its individuality through creativity grounded in discipline.

Thus, the rendition of similar ragas in North Indian classical music exemplifies the art’s philosophical depth — the coexistence of similarity and uniqueness, structure and freedom. It is this delicate balance that sustains the immense beauty and complexity of the Hindustani raga tradition, allowing it to evolve continuously while preserving its timeless essence.

Snr. Prof. P.A. Paranagama

Senior Professor & Chair of Chemistry,
Dean, Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya​, Sri Lanka.

B.Sc (Kelaniya), M.Phil.(Kelaniya), Ph.D.(Glasgow, UK)

Tel: 011-2903950
E-mail: priyani@kln.ac.lk

Snr. Prof. N. Jayathilaka

Professor in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry,
Department of Chemistry,
Faculty of Science, University of Kelaniya,
Sri Lanka.

B. Sc. (UW Superior, USA) Ph. D. (USC, USA)
Postdoctoral Fellow (UCSD, USA)
OWSD Early Career Fellow

Prof. P.A.D.H. Nayana Gunathilaka

Department of Parasitology,
Faculty of Medicine,
University of Kelaniya,
Sri Lanka.

B.Sc (Hons), Ph.D (Kelaniya), MI Biol (Sri Lanka), C. Biol (Sri Lanka)

Prof. (Ms) Renuka N. Attanayake

Department of Plant & Molecular Biology,
Faculty of Science,
University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka.

PhD (WSU, USA), MSc (WSU, USA), BSc (Kelaniya)

Prof. R.M Mahinda

Department of Environmental Management,
Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities,
Rajarata University, Sri Lanka.

B.A. (Kel’ya), MSSc. (Kel’ya), PhD (Australia) B.A. (Hons.) in Geograp (CMB), MSc. in Geo Informatics (PDN), MA in Geography (SJP), (Tsukuba)

Prof. M.R.K.N. Yatigammana

Department of Commerce and Financial Management,
Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies,
University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka.

BCom (Commerce) (Kelaniya), MSc in MIT (Management & IT) (Kelaniya), Ph.D. (Malaysia)

Dr. Prabhashini Wijewantha

Senior Lecturer -Grade I
Department of Human Resource Management,
Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies,
University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka.

B.Sc. (HRM) (USJ), MBA (C’bo), Ph.D (MSU – Mal’sia)

Dr. H.A. Kumudu Sumedha Sanjeewani

Senior Lecturer I
Department of Sociology,
Faculty of Social Sciences,
University of Kelaniya,
Sri Lanka.

B.A. (Kel’ya), MSSc. (Kel’ya), PhD (Australia)

Dr. Induni Siriwardene

Senior Lecturer (Grade II)
Department of Applied Computing,
Director of the Center for Advanced Materials and Smart Manufacturing (CAMSM)
Faculty of Computing and Technology,
University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka.

BSc (Colombo), MSc (Iowa, USA), MBA (PIM), PhD (Colombo)

Mrs. Anuruddhika Kularathne

Senior Lecturer Grade - I
Department of Sinhala,
University of Kelaniya,
Sri Lanka.

PhD Degree in Sinhala, 2024 - University of Kelaniya
M.Phil Degree in Sinhala – Merit Pass- 2009. University of Kelaniya
B.A. Special Degree in Sinhala (First Class), 2003, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka

Dr. Mahendra Gunwardane

Senior Lecturer (Grade I)
Department of Microbiology,
University of Kelaniya,
Kelaniya.

PhD (Kelaniya), MPhil (Edinburgh) B.Sc. (Sp) (Kelaniya),

Dr. Thilomi Samarakoon

Lecturer
Department of Zoology and Environmental Management, Faculty of Science, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka
BSc (Special) Honours in Environmental Conservation and Management,
University of Kelaniya,
Sri Lanka

MSc in Environmental Toxicology, Chulabhorn Graduate Institute, Thailand PhD in Science and Engineering, Saitama University, Japan

Mr. K.B.S.L. Wijeratne

Deputy Registrar,
Faculty of Graduate Studies,
University of Kelaniya,
Sri Lanka.

BA (Kelaniya), MBA (PIM - SJP)
Tel : 011-2903951
E-mail: shakyalakmal@kln.ac.lk

Ms. S.S. Gonapinuwala

Assistant Bursar,
Faculty of Graduate Studies,
University of Kelaniya,
Sri Lanka.

Tel : 011-2903528
Email: sathishkag@kln.ac.lk
Finance Division : fgsfinance@kln.ac.lk

Mr. G H B A De Silva

Director - Digital Communication - University of Kelaniya
Senior Lecturer (Grade I)
Department of Human Resource Management

Email: webmaster@kln.ac.lk

Submission Information

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