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
2017
Newspaper Article
Agriculture revival: Organic farming
Wijerathna, Akila (2017, 11 01). Agriculture revival: Organic farming LMD 235-235.
2017
Newspaper Article
The fruits of agriculture
Wijerathna, Akila (2017, 10 01). The fruits of agriculture LMD 209-209.
2017
Newspaper Article
Food safety: Critical conscience
Wijerathna, Akila (2017, 08 01). Food safety: Critical conscience LMD 182-182.
2017
Newspaper Article
Farm biodiversity: shared responsibility
Wijerathna, Akila (2017, 07 01). Farm biodiversity: shared responsibility LMD 165-165.
2017
Journal Article
Effect on biodrying and rapid drying of food wastesfor biochar manufacturing
Wijerathna-Yapa, Akila (2017). Effect on biodrying and rapid drying of food wastesfor biochar manufacturing. Agricultural Research and Technology, 7 (5), 00128-00133. doi: 10.19080/ARTOAJ.2017.07.555722
2017
Newspaper Article
Urban ecosystems: The trees of city life
Wijerathna, Akila (2017, 06 01). Urban ecosystems: The trees of city life LMD 206-206.
2017
Newspaper Article
Food safety: better safe than sorry
Wijerathna, Akila (2017, 05 01). Food safety: better safe than sorry LMD 174-174.
2017
Newspaper Article
Farmers' markets
Wijerathna, Akila (2017, 04 01). Farmers' markets LMD 194-194.
2017
Newspaper Article
Small holder agriculture: Family farming
Wijerathna, Akila (2017, 03 01). Small holder agriculture: Family farming LMD 182-182.
2017
Newspaper Article
Women in farming
Wijerathna, Akila (2017, 02 01). Women in farming LMD 206-206.
2017
Newspaper Article
Start-up farming
Wijerathna, Akila (2017, 01 01). Start-up farming LMD 190-190.
2017
Journal Article
Transgenic plants: Resistance to abiotic and biotic stresses
Wijerathna-Yapa, Akila (2017). Transgenic plants: Resistance to abiotic and biotic stresses. Journal of Agriculture and Environment for International Development, 111 (1), 245-275.
2016
Newspaper Article
Future-ready farming techniques
Wijerathna, Akila (2016, 12 01). Future-ready farming techniques LMD 222-222.
2016
Newspaper Article
The seed of organic farming
Wijerathna, Akila (2016, 11 01). The seed of organic farming LMD 220-220.
2016
Newspaper Article
Urban agriculture: food security in the city
Wijerathna, Akila (2016, 10 01). Urban agriculture: food security in the city LMD 220-220.
2016
Other Outputs
Analysis of constitutively active pyrabactin resistance1/pyr1-like (pyl) receptors in early development of Arabidopsis thaliana
Yapa Mudiyanselage, Akila Maduranga Wijerathna (2016). Analysis of constitutively active pyrabactin resistance1/pyr1-like (pyl) receptors in early development of Arabidopsis thaliana. M.Sc Thesis, School of Agricultural Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
2016
Newspaper Article
Smart agriculture: inclusive farming
Wijerathna, Akila (2016, 09 01). Smart agriculture: inclusive farming LMD 203-203.
2016
Newspaper Article
Farming for Tomorrow
Wijerathna, Akila (2016, 08 01). Farming for Tomorrow LMD 236-236.
2016
Newspaper Article
Empowering farmers: examines the nexus between agriculture infrastructure and rural development.
Wijerathna, Akila (2016, 08 01). Empowering farmers: examines the nexus between agriculture infrastructure and rural development. LMD 210-210.
2016
Newspaper Article
Crop enabler: genetic engineering
Wijerathna, Akila (2016, 06 01). Crop enabler: genetic engineering LMD 222-222.
Media
Enquiries
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