Dr. Prasad Liyanage from Heidelberg University’s Heidelberg Institute of Global Health (HIGH) and the Heidelberg Planetary Health Hub (hei‑planet), is collaborating with the University Grants Commission (UGC) of Sri Lanka to institutionalise transdisciplinary research in Sri Lankan higher education institutions. As part of discussions held in August 2026, Dr. Liyanage also presented his research experiences in Sri Lanka, highlighting the value of transdisciplinary thinking in addressing complex health challenges.
The discussions at the UGC focused on transdisciplinary research as an approach that unites multiple academic disciplines, areas of expertise, and stakeholders to solve real‑world problems, and on how it can be promoted and embedded within the higher education system for both senior academics and undergraduates.
Participants explored how institutionalising this way of thinking within universities could foster a stronger culture of collaboration, innovation, and societally responsive research.
The meeting brought together senior academics and university leaders with diverse expertise, including:
- Senior Prof. K. L. Wasantha Kumara – Vice Chairman, University Grants Commission
- Prof. Saroj Jayasinghe – Emeritus Professor of Medicine, University of Colombo
- Prof. Prasad M. Jayaweera – Dean, Faculty of Computing, University of Sri Jayewardenepura
- Prof. Ranjith Senaratne – Emeritus Professor of Crop Science, University of Ruhuna; former Vice Chairman, UGC
- Dr. Prasad Liyanage – Senior Research Scientist, Heidelberg Institute of Global Health, Heidelberg University, Germany
- Prof. Athula Sumathipala – Director, Institute for Research & Development in Health and Social Care (IRD)
- Prof. Meena Senthilnanthanan – Director, Quality Assurance Council, UGC; Professor of Chemistry, University of Jaffna
- Prof. Charmalie Nahallage – Professor of Anthropology, University of Sri Jayewardenepura
In addition, Dr. Liyanage continues to extend his expertise in climate change and health research, surveillance methods, and research methodologies to various academic institutions in Sri Lanka.
