Dr Pabasara Wanniarachchige will partner with the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore to study geothermal reservoir dynamics
University of Wollongong (UOW) researcher Dr Pabasara Wanniarachchige is one of five female academics from a regional university selected for the Australia India Women Researchers' Exchange (AIWE) Program.
The program aims to strengthen collaboration between Australia and India while addressing gender equity in STEM research. Dr Wanniarachchige will partner with the Indian Institute of Science 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, Senior Professor Gursel Alici, 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 University of Wollongong'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.
