Overview
Background
Dr. Akila Wijerathna-Yapa is an interdisciplinary Biotechnology scientist and Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Frazer Institute, University of Queensland, with over 12 years of expertise spanning Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Bioinformatics. Holding a PhD in Biochemistry from The University of Western Australia, an MSc in Molecular Biology from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, an MBA from the University of Staffordshire, and B.Sc. (Hons.) Sp. Biotechnology from The Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, he brings a rare combination of deep scientific expertise and strategic project management insight to the life sciences.
Dr. Wijerathna-Yapa's research is defined by his ability to integrate advanced technologies—including mass spectrometry-based proteomics, peptidomics, metabolomics, lipidomics, NMR spectroscopy, and transcriptomics—to unravel molecular complexities and translate multi-omics data into actionable insights. His work spans molecular biology, cell culture bioprocess optimisation, clinical biomarker discovery, and spatial biology, with postdoctoral experience at The University of Queensland and Dalhousie University, and collaborative partnerships with leading research institutions across Sri Lanka, China, Israel, Australia, and Canada.
With a strong foundation in advanced statistical data analysis and a proven track record in project management and scientific communication, Dr. Wijerathna-Yapa bridges the gap between scientific discovery and practical innovation. He has authored over 25 peer-reviewed publications and has been recognised with prestigious international awards including the Australian Government Global Talent Independent visa and fellowships from the Higher Education Academy (FHEA, UKPSF). He is passionate about leveraging interdisciplinary knowledge to drive transformative advancements in biotechnology and life sciences.
Availability
- Dr Akila Wijerathna Yapa is:
- Available for supervision
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Bachelor (Honours) of Agricultural Biotechnology, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka
- Masters (Research) of Plant Cell and Molecular Biology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
- Doctor of Philosophy of Biochemistry, The University of Western Australia
- Masters (Coursework) of Business Administration, Staffordshire University
- Fellow, The Higher Education Academy (UKPSF), The Higher Education Academy (UKPSF)
- Associate Fellow, The University of Western Australia Academy Fellowship Scheme, The University of Western Australia Academy Fellowship Scheme
Works
Search Professor Akila Wijerathna Yapa’s works on UQ eSpace
2022
Other Outputs
Farming without farmland
Wijerathna, Akila (2022, 09 02). Farming without farmland LMD 148-148.
2022
Journal Article
Applications of in vitro tissue culture technologies in breeding and genetic improvement of wheat
Wijerathna-Yapa, Akila, Ramtekey, Vinita, Ranawaka, Buddhini and Basnet, Bhoja Raj (2022). Applications of in vitro tissue culture technologies in breeding and genetic improvement of wheat. Plants, 11 (17) 2273, 1-26. doi: 10.3390/plants11172273
2022
Other Outputs
Flowering of a green idea — floriculture sector
Wijerathna, Akila (2022, 07 28). Flowering of a green idea — floriculture sector LMD 147-147 .
2022
Conference Publication
Methylglyoxal catabolism is induced in autophagy mutants during photomorphogenesis
Signorelli, Santiago, Wijerathna-Yapa, Akila, Fenske, Ricarda, Ganguly, Diep R., Stroeher, Elke, Li, Lei, Pogson, Barry J., Duncan, Owen and Millar, A. Harvey (2022). Methylglyoxal catabolism is induced in autophagy mutants during photomorphogenesis. ASPB Plant Biology 2022, Portland, OR. United States, 9-13 July 2022. The American Society of Plant Biologists.
2022
Other Outputs
Farming and supply chains
Wijerathna, Akila (2022, 07 01). Farming and supply chains LMD 178.
2022
Journal Article
Defects in autophagy lead to selective in vivo changes in turnover of cytosolic and organelle proteins in Arabidopsis
Li, Lei, Lee, Chun Pong, Ding, Xinxin, Qin, Yu, Wijerathna-Yapa, Akila, Broda, Martyna, Otegui, Marisa S and Millar, A Harvey (2022). Defects in autophagy lead to selective in vivo changes in turnover of cytosolic and organelle proteins in Arabidopsis. The Plant Cell, 34 (10), 3936-3960. doi: 10.1093/plcell/koac185
2022
Other Outputs
Big Challenges Small Farms
Wijerathna, Akila (2022, 06 01). Big Challenges Small Farms LMD 142-142.
2022
Conference Publication
Modelling hormone signalling networks to better predict branching phenotypes
Fortuna, Nicole, Wijerathna-Yapa, Akila and Beveridge, Christine A. (2022). Modelling hormone signalling networks to better predict branching phenotypes. ARC Centre of Excellence for Plant Success in Nature and Agriculture Research Retreat, Hobart, TAS Australia, 30 May - 1 June 2022. ARC Centre of Excellence for Plant Success in Nature and Agriculture .
2022
Conference Publication
Prior Knowledge-driven Branching Phenotype Prediction for Shoot Architecture Improvement
Wijerathna-Yapa, Akila, Fortuna, Nicole, Dun, Elizabeth, Lawson, Brodie, Cooper, Mark and Beveridge, Christine A. (2022). Prior Knowledge-driven Branching Phenotype Prediction for Shoot Architecture Improvement. ARC Centre of Excellence for Plant Success in Nature and Agriculture Research Retreat, Hobart, TAS Australia, 30 May - 1 June 2022.
2022
Journal Article
Enzymes degraded under high light maintain proteostasis by transcriptional regulation in Arabidopsis
Li, Lei, Duncan, Owen, Ganguly, Diep R., Lee, Chun Pong, Crisp, Peter A., Wijerathna-Yapa, Akila, Salih, Karzan, Trösch, Josua, Pogson, Barry J. and Millar, A. Harvey (2022). Enzymes degraded under high light maintain proteostasis by transcriptional regulation in Arabidopsis. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 119 (20) e2121362119, 1-11. doi: 10.1073/pnas.2121362119
2022
Other Outputs
Going green: the smart way
Wijerathna, Akila (2022, 05 01). Going green: the smart way LMD 124.
2022
Other Outputs
Gains from smart farming
Wijerathna, Akila (2022, 04 01). Gains from smart farming LMD 114-114.
2022
Other Outputs
Biotechnology's Golden Era
Wijerathna, Akila (2022, 03 03). Biotechnology's Golden Era LMD 183-183.
2022
Other Outputs
Piggybacking on agriculture
Wijerathna, Akila (2022, 02 01). Piggybacking on agriculture LMD 137.
2022
Other Outputs
Supply chain disruptions
Wijerathna, Akila (2022, 01 01). Supply chain disruptions LMD: The Voice of Business 144-144.
2021
Other Outputs
Post-COVID food security
Wijerathna, Akila (2021, 12 01). Post-COVID food security LMD: The Voice of Business 184-184.
2021
Other Outputs
Pest control in agri-food
Wijerathna, Akila (2021, 11 01). Pest control in agri-food LMD: The Voice of Business 115-115.
2021
Other Outputs
Enzymes degraded under high light maintain proteostasis by transcriptional regulation in Arabidopsis
Li, Lei, Duncan, Owen, Ganguly, Diep R., Lee, Chun Pong, Crisp, Peter A., Wijerathna-Yapa, Akila, Salih, Karzan, Trösch, Josua, Pogson, Barry J. and Millar, A. Harvey (2021). Enzymes degraded under high light maintain proteostasis by transcriptional regulation in Arabidopsis.
2021
Other Outputs
AI and climate emergencies
Wijerathna, Akila (2021, 10 01). AI and climate emergencies LMD 69.
2021
Journal Article
Autophagy mutants show delayed chloroplast development during de-etiolation in carbon limiting conditions
Wijerathna-Yapa, Akila, Signorelli, Santiago, Fenske, Ricarda, Ganguly, Diep R., Stroeher, Elke, Li, Lei, Pogson, Barry J., Duncan, Owen and Millar, A. Harvey (2021). Autophagy mutants show delayed chloroplast development during de-etiolation in carbon limiting conditions. Plant Journal, 108 (2), 459-477. doi: 10.1111/tpj.15452
Supervision
Availability
- Dr Akila Wijerathna Yapa is:
- Available for supervision
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Media
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