Entry Information

PART 1: PERSONAL PARTICULARS

Name

Mandadige Kalindu Shyamawarna Fernando

Title

Dr

Gender

Male

Recent Photo

Recent Photo

Date of Birth

21/12/1993

Place of Birth

Sri Lanka

Type of Identity Document Held

Passport

HKID / Passport Number

N8125

Nationality

Sri Lankan

PART 2: CONTACT INFORMATION

Email Address

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Contact Phone Number

+94743879582

Address

30/7, Fonseka Road,
Kalutara
Sri Lanka

PART 3: FORUM INTEREST

First Discipline to be Joined

Mathematical Sciences

Second Discipline to be Joined

Life Science and Medicine

Statement of Purpose to Join the Forum (max. 200 words)

As a young researcher with a strong academic background and a passion for advancing knowledge in chemical engineering, I am eager to participate in the Hong Kong Laureate Forum 2025. My doctoral research at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology focused on multiscale computational modeling of intrinsically disordered proteins, leading to several high-impact publications in renowned journals. My work has been recognized with awards, including the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship (HKPFS) and the Excellent Research Award for HKPFS awardees, underscoring my commitment to excellence in research.
Participating in the Hong Kong Laureate Forum 2025 would provide an unparalleled opportunity to engage with leading scientists and Nobel Laureates, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations and gaining insights into cutting-edge research trends. My experience as a graduate teaching assistant and lecturer has honed my ability to communicate complex ideas effectively, and I am keen to contribute to discussions on sustainable engineering and innovative scientific solutions to broaden my interpersonal and communication skills.
This forum aligns with my career aspirations to drive impactful research and inspire the next generation of scientists. I am confident that this experience will enrich my academic journey and enable me to contribute meaningfully to the global scientific community.

PART 4: ACADEMIC AND/OR RESEARCH INFORMATION

Academic Level / Position

PhD Graduate

Academic Subject / Research Field

Chemical and Biological Engineering

Current Affiliated University / Institution / Organisation

University of Moratuwa

Location

Sri Lanka

Transcript 1

PhD_transcript1.pdf

Recommendation 1

Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Moratuwa

Recommendation Letter 1

recomendation_HOD.pdf

First Academic or Research Referee *

First Referee Name

Prof. Ying Chau

First Referee University

Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

First Referee Position

Professor

First Referee Email Address

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Second Academic or Research Referee

Second Referee Name

Prof. Shantha Egodage

Second Referee University

University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka

Second Referee Position

Professor

Second Referee Email Address

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Award(s) and/or Scientific Accomplishment(s) (if any) (max. 100 words)

1.Best Graduate Teaching Assistant
Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
2.Excellent Research Award for HKPFS awardees
School of Engineering, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
3.Hong Kong PhD Fellowship
Research Grant Council, Hong Kong
4.Best Research Presentation, Undergraduate Research Symposium
Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka
5.Mahapola Higher Education Scholarship
The Mahapola Higher Education Scholarship Trust Fund, Sri Lanka

Reference/Certificate of Award and/or Scientific Accomplishement

Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

Reference / Certificate of Award and / or Scientific Accomplishment Supporting Document

award_certification.pdf

Abstract of Research / Brief Description of Your Current Research Interest (max. 200 words)

My research focuses on the development of multiscale computational models for predicting the behavior of intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) and their role in liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), a phenomenon critical to cellular organization and disease mechanisms. My work integrates molecular dynamics simulations, polymer physics, Monte Carlo simulations and computational chemistry to unravel the complex behavior of IDPs, particularly in the context of neurodegenerative diseases. I have developed an innovative computational pipeline to study the phase separation of IDPs, including IDP mutants, and their aggregation, providing insights into pathological processes like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The model has been further extended to investigate the charatrisitcs of IDP mimietics having potential applications in drug delivery and biochemical reactors which also undergo different levels of LLPS.
In addition to his theoretical contributions, I have explored applications of peptide-based systems for mRNA delivery, demonstrating the potential of designer peptides for efficient cytosol delivery of therapeutic molecules. My interdisciplinary approach bridges chemistry, biology, and materials science, offering novel solutions for biomolecular engineering and drug delivery. Recognized with an award for Excellent Research, my work exemplifies the integration of computational and experimental methods to address pressing challenges in biomolecular science and sustainable engineering.

Would you like to present your Research in Poster Presentation Session and/or Flash Presentation?

Flash Presentation Session

PART 5: OTHERS

Did you participate in the inaugural Hong Kong Laureate Forum?

N/A

How Did You Know About the Forum?

Our email