Digital Platform of Expatriate Sri Lankan Professionals to obtain their contribution for national development

The number of researchers per million population in Sri Lanka is 258 and it is 106 when considered in terms of full-time equivalent basis (Sri Lanka Science, Technology and Innovation Statistical Handbook, 2015, National Science Foundation). This is very low when compared with developed countries which are more or less 4000 researchers per million population. Therefore, increasing the number of researchers in Sri Lanka is a high priority concern.

As a country that has experienced considerable “Brain Drain” during the past few decades, Sri Lanka needs to build a strong network for effective tapping of STI skills and state-of-the-art infrastructure from around the world. In order to achieve this goal, the NSF has taken initiative to establish a digital platform to facilitate, expand, and strengthen the network of researchers in Sri Lanka and expatriates abroad. 

We greatly acknowledge the generous support received from Sri Lanka Association for Software and Services Companies (SLASSCOM) in developing the Digital Platform.   

Capacity building of researchers -Writing Winning Proposals to Secure International Grants

The NSF in collaboration with the International Relations Office (InRo), University of Peradeniya and the Sri Lankan Academy of Young Scientists (SLAYS) organized the webinar on 10^th August 2021, aiming research community to come up with competitive research proposals enabling international grants.

More information: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rPwgZAA0JI

Capacity building of young and mid-career researchers on preparing an effective research proposal to secure a studentship/scholarship for higher studies abroad

NSF provided a remarkable opportunity on 12^th August 2021 to personnel who are searching for studentships/ scholarships for masters and doctoral qualifications through linking up them with Prof. Danthure Wickremasinghe, University of Glasgow, UK through the above webinar. This was well attended by a total of 422 participants.

More information: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqkmiMSTjjk

Enhance foreign exposure opportunities through Japan ‘Sakura Science Programme’

This was held online on 26^th June with the participation of eminent resource persons from both Japan and Sri Lanka as well as Sakura Science Alumni. Various possibilities for further strengthening the linkage between both countries via Sakura Science Programme’s Alumni Activities was highlighted.

Link to FB page: https://www.facebook.com?SSCAASL

Empowering farmers through modern ICT

Real time Agricultural mobile based information system “GOVI NENA Ruhuna” 

“GOVI NENA Ruhuna”, a mobile based organic farming information system was developed by celebrated scholar team from Dept. of Computer Science, University of Ruhuna in collaboration with University of Moratuwa, University of Colombo and Western Sydney University, Australia as an international collaboration made with the financial support provided under travel grant scheme. This mobile application provides an excellent opportunity to achieve food security for the country and sustainable prices for farmers & consumers.

ICGEB Arturo Falaschi fellowships programme

Information on ICGEB Arturo Falaschi fellowships programme 2021 were disseminated among the prospective applicants and two Sri Lankan researchers have been awarded three-month and eight-month post-doctoral fellowships under this programme.

International Science Council (ISC) Awards Programme 2021

This award programme was established by the ISC under five categories to recognize individuals, groups, and initiatives launched by the ISC and its members that serve to advance science as a global public good. NSF being the focal point of ISC, facilitated submission of ten (10) applications from outstanding researchers in Sri Lanka for this award programme. The evaluation of same by the ISC was in progress and winners to be declared in October, 2021. This will be a motivation for Sri Lankan researchers to perform well.

Facilitate partnerships with expatriates and industry

We act as a facilitator to bring IoT into the products of Textrip (Pvt) Ltd. through liaising with Prof. Pubudu Pathirana, Deakin University.

Innovative technologies adopted by other countries to enhance agricultural productivity in challenging environments