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:
- Not 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
2019
Newspaper Article
Develop genetic diversity: Ramification of adapting crop heterogeneity
Wijerathna, Akila (2019, 06 01). Develop genetic diversity: Ramification of adapting crop heterogeneity LMD 167.
2019
Newspaper Article
Genetically Engineered DNA
Wijerathna, Akila (2019, 05 01). Genetically Engineered DNA LMD 171.
2019
Newspaper Article
Growing Community Gardens
Wijerathna, Akila (2019, 04 01). Growing Community Gardens LMD 139.
2019
Newspaper Article
The food security crunch
Wijerathna, Akila (2019, 03 01). The food security crunch LMD 155.
2019
Newspaper Article
The rise of smart foods
Wijerathna, Akila (2019, 02 01). The rise of smart foods LMD 168.
2019
Newspaper Article
Rescue act for food waste
Wijerathna, Akila (2019, 01 01). Rescue act for food waste LMD 160.
2018
Newspaper Article
Crop protection solutions
Wijerathna, Akila (2018, 12 01). Crop protection solutions LMD 168.
2018
Newspaper Article
Untapped biotech potential
Wijerathna, Akila (2018, 11 01). Untapped biotech potential LMD 197.
2018
Newspaper Article
Holistic farming practice
Wijerathna, Akila (2018, 10 01). Holistic farming practice LMD 168-168.
2018
Conference Publication
Targeted Proteomics for Organelle Abundance Profiling of Arabidopsis thaliana Autophagy Mutants
Wijerathna-Yapa, A., Fenske, R., Li, L. and Millar, A.H. (2018). Targeted Proteomics for Organelle Abundance Profiling of Arabidopsis thaliana Autophagy Mutants. ARC CoE in Plant Energy Biology Annual Forum 2018, The Vines, WA Australia, 11 - 13 September 2018. ARC CoE in Plant Energy Biology.
2018
Newspaper Article
The maze of biotechnology
Wijerathna, Akila (2018, 09 01). The maze of biotechnology LMD 181-181.
2018
Newspaper Article
The trail of breadcrumbs - Post harvest losses
Wijerathna, Akila (2018, 08 01). The trail of breadcrumbs - Post harvest losses LMD 175-175.
2018
Newspaper Article
Organic farming: Time to defy the convention
Wijerathna, Akila (2018, 07 01). Organic farming: Time to defy the convention LMD 229-229.
2018
Newspaper Article
The science of sharing
Wijerathna, Akila (2018, 05 01). The science of sharing LMD 213-213.
2018
Newspaper Article
Saving the plants from stress
Wijerathna, Akila (2018, 04 01). Saving the plants from stress LMD 166-166.
2018
Newspaper Article
The future of agriculture
Wijerathna, Akila (2018, 03 01). The future of agriculture LMD 202-202.
2018
Newspaper Article
Waste from green fields
Wijerathna, Akila (2018, 02 01). Waste from green fields LMD 172-172.
2018
Newspaper Article
Family farming: Breaking the cycle
Wijerathna, Akila (2018, 01 01). Family farming: Breaking the cycle LMD 178-178.
2017
Conference Publication
Extending the postharvest life of cut flowers with floral preservatives: A mini review
Kumarihami, H. M. P. C., Wijerathna, Y. M. A. M. and Beneragama, C. K. (2017). Extending the postharvest life of cut flowers with floral preservatives: A mini review. National Symposium on Floriculture Research (NaSFloR) 2017, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2017. Sri Lanka : Department of National Botanic Gardens, Sri Lanka Council for Agricultural Research Policy.
2017
Newspaper Article
Floriculture sector: The flowering state
Wijerathna, Akila (2017, 12 01). Floriculture sector: The flowering state LMD 198-198.
Media
Enquiries
For media enquiries about Dr Akila Wijerathna Yapa's areas of expertise, story ideas and help finding experts, contact our Media team: