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I am a neuroscientist interested in how cellular and molecular mechanisms regulate brain development, neural circuits and brain function across the lifespan, and how disruption of these processes contributes to neurodevelopmental, neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. My research focuses particularly on neural progenitor cells, oligodendrocyte biology, myelination and neuron–glia interactions, with broader interests in neurocognition, brain health and disease.

I completed my PhD at the University of Tasmania investigating ion channel signalling in oligodendrocyte progenitor cells and its role in neural circuit function and myelination. I subsequently undertook postdoctoral research at The University of Queensland, including at the Queensland Brain Institute, where I investigated neural progenitor function, neuronal migration and cortical development in models of neurodevelopmental disorders, and at Mater Research–UQ, where I investigated oligodendrocyte dysfunction, myelination and cellular signalling in neurological and neuropsychiatric disease, including multiple sclerosis-like pathology.

Across these research programs, I have developed expertise in developmental neuroscience, cellular and molecular neuroscience, neural progenitor biology, neuron–glia interactions, myelination and neural circuit function, using experimental approaches spanning molecular and cellular biology, advanced microscopy, electrophysiology, animal models and behavioural neuroscience. My broader research interests are centred on understanding how changes in cellular signalling and interactions between neural cell types shape brain function in health and disease.

Alongside my research, I contribute to tertiary teaching and student supervision across neuroscience, psychology and biomedical sciences at The University of Queensland, with a particular interest in research-informed education and scientific communication.

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.