Emerging STEM leader wins prestigious RISE Fellowship

University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) Research Fellow Dr Sachini Wickramasinghe has gained national recognition for her groundbreaking research transforming waste plastics into advanced materials for 3D-printed civil infrastructure.

Dr Wickramasinghe was awarded a 2025 RISE Fellowship from the Australian Composites Manufacturing CRC, presented in Sydney.

The RISE Fellowships program – which champions leadership, innovation and impact – aims to advance female representation in STEM by recognising and supporting outstanding women and supporting their career progression.

Dr Wickramasinghe said she was honoured to receive the fellowship and excited to continue pushing the boundaries of composites research to develop sustainable solutions that make a real difference.

“Receiving this award is such an honour and a wonderful encouragement to explore new ideas, experiment, and find creative ways to make research matter,” she said.

Director of the UniSQ Centre for Future Materials Professor Allan Manalo, who nominated Dr Wickramasinghe for the award, congratulated her on the achievement.

“Sachini exemplifies the values that this prestigious award seeks to recognise. She demonstrates true leadership and drives innovation through pioneering research in advanced materials and infrastructure that addresses critical sustainability challenges,” Professor Manalo said.

“Combining technical excellence with remarkable resilience and vision, her work is advancing the frontiers of engineering and showcasing how innovation from UniSQ can create a lasting impact both nationally and globally.”

Professor Manalo said the fellowship would also provide Dr Wickramasinghe with valuable networking and professional development opportunities.

“Sachini has earned a growing reputation for her innovative research in sustainable materials, her skill in uniting academia, industry and international partners, and her dedication to mentoring the next generation of STEM professionals, particularly in regional communities,” he said.

Find out more about research at UniSQ’s Centre for Future Materials.