51²è¹Ý

December 18, 2024

UOW researcher selected for prestigious India exchange program

Dr Pabasara Wanniarachchige will partner with the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore to study geothermal reservoir dynamics

51²è¹Ý (UOW) researcher Dr is one of five female academics from a regional university selected for the .

The program aims to strengthen collaboration between Australia and India while addressing gender equity in STEM research. Dr Wanniarachchige will partner with the in Bangalore to study geothermal reservoir dynamics to enhance the efficiency and safety of geothermal energy production.

Dr Wanniarachchige, a lecturer in UOW’s School of Civil, Mining, Environmental and Architectural Engineering, said she was deeply honoured to have been selected for the AIWE program.

“I am honoured to have been selected as one of the five Australian female researchers awarded for the Australia India Women Researchers’ Exchange Program. It is an initiative led by the Australia India Institute and funded by the Australian Government Department of Education,” Dr Wanniarachchige said.

An Australian Research Council Discovery Early Career Research Fellow, Dr Wanniarachchige’s research focuses on geomechanics applications for geothermal extraction. Currently, she is researching geothermal heat recovery and energy storage from underground mines and the potential for re-using the mines as a source for low-carbon heat extraction and storage.

“I’m looking forward to working on the project and intend to strengthen our existing collaboration with the Indian Institute of Science,” Dr Wanniarachchige said.

“Additionally, I plan to visit several Indian Institutes of Technologies, deliver lectures and contribute to joint projects enabling opportunities to engage with Indian experts and establish lasting collaborations.”

Executive Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences, , congratulated Dr Wanniarachchige on being selected for the program.

“"This is a fantastic achievement for Dr Wanniarachchige. It highlights her dedication, innovative research, and outstanding contributions to the field of geothermal energy production,” Professor Alici said.

“Her selection for the AIWE program reflects not only Dr Wanniarachchige’s commitment to advancing STEM research but also the 51²è¹Ý's growing impact on global collaboration. I look forward to seeing the positive outcomes of her partnership with the Indian Institute of Science."

The AIWE program supports the professional development of early-career female researchers, enabling them to collaborate on shared research priorities and gain valuable insights into the academic and research environments of both countries.

This year the program awarded 10 fellowships – five to Indian researchers from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, and five to Australian researchers from regional university campuses.