SLIIT’s Engineering Faculty recognised as hub for pioneering research and collaboration

With a focus on finding solutions to modern engineering challenges, the SLIIT Faculty of Engineering has established itself as a pioneering research and collaboration hub, cultivating a vibrant ecosystem.

Positioned at the forefront of innovation and research, with a dynamic culture exceeding traditional boundaries, the faculty has eight active research groups dedicated to addressing modern engineering challenges.

Each group analyses a specific area crucial to the engineering landscape including Computer Vision/Industrial Automation, Robotics and Autonomous Systems, Geotechnical and Geo environmental, Transportation engineering and Sustainability in Built Environments. They serve as collaborative platforms for staff and students to work together in addressing contemporary real-world issues.

The faculty actively engages with industries, through ongoing collaborations. Engaging in a combination of SLIIT staff initiated and industry partnerships, the faculty has signed a series of MOUs, contacts and grants which provide opportunities to solve pressing problems.

Notable private sector collaborations with MCC, Daiki Axis, MAS Kreeda, Linea Aqua and government institutions including Irrigation Department, the National Water Supply and Drainage Board enable the faculty to contribute to develop cutting-edge solutions for infrastructure and industry challenges.

Recently, a significant collaboration with the University of Calgary, focusing on a comprehensive study on biogas demonstrates the faculty’s involvement in globally significant research. The ongoing project positions the faculty as a key player in shaping engineering solutions not only in Sri Lanka but also on the international stage. Furthermore, partnerships with the University of Calgary, University of Moratuwa, and University of Peradeniya connect researchers to share the knowledge.

Additionally, faculty members receive the research grants for addressing the critical problems in the world. For example, several faculty members involved in THREE Lanka EU funded Project which addresses the key challenges for achieving the renewable energy in Sri Lanka.

An important achievement of the faculty is the proposed establishment an Industry Engagement Unit scheduled for 2024. The setting up phase is ongoing consisting of coordinators and training engineers.

Supporting a strong research culture is faculty’s annual conference, – SLIIT International Conference on Engineering Technology (SICET). First organized in 2022 and held annually, with internationally attracting paper submissions and participants from across the world. The conference also provides a platform for researchers to present their latest work and findings. Aligned to the conference the bi-annual journal is published enabling dissemination of new knowledge.

The faculty is strengthened with a diverse mix of junior and senior faculty members, undergraduates, with nearly 20 graduate students pursuing MPhil and PhD degrees, ensuring fresh perspectives and experienced leadership in research. It provides a solid training ground for all members placing SLIIT’s Engineering Faculty at the forefront of innovation. The state-of-art laboratories in the faculty gives the opportunity for them to conduct experiments demanded by research.

The faculty boasts a vibrant research culture with many active groups consistently publishing papers. During year 2022, faculty members published more than 40 papers in in Q1 and Q2 Scopus indexed journals which was recognized by the institute granting them research awards. Continuing the culture, from Jan – July 2023 more than 20 papers were published in those high-impact journals.

Internal monthly forums are also organised bringing together researchers within faculty to provide a space for open discussions, creating an enhanced collaborative environment. These seminars ensure knowledge sharing, and impactful contributions. These sessions serve as another collaborative platform for staff and students across various departments to discuss modern problems with innovative, cross-disciplinary solutions.

The faculty extends its influence beyond academia, actively contributing views to policy development. Additionally, external workshops on vital topics such as building information modelling and voltage stability assessment were conducted for industry professionals, aligning with the faculty’s commitment to knowledge dissemination.

With a commitment to addressing contemporary challenges and nurturing a diverse community of researchers, the faculty aims to continue to shape the future of engineering in Sri Lanka.

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