Dr Liwan Liyanage

I specialize in data-driven adaptive modelling, tailoring my research to support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). My work in developing novel methodologies for data integration and data pre-processing for environmental sensor data analysis has been pivotal in advancing environmental research. This commitment to research excellence has been a driving force in my efforts to address global challenges through informed decision-making and automation.

In 1998, I spearheaded the integration of data mining into academia, launching a groundbreaking program in Mathematics and Information Technology. This innovative curriculum, among the first to incorporate data mining, laid the foundation for data-driven modelling for decision-making, effectively introducing the concept of Data Science as early as 1999. The program not only bridged significant educational gaps but also set a new precedent for interdisciplinary education, receiving accreditation from the Australian Computer Society (ACS). My extensive involvement in curriculum development and teaching across all academic levels, from undergraduate to PhD, emphasizes the transformation of data into actionable knowledge, marking a significant milestone in nurturing the next generation of data scientists.

My research portfolio addresses critical global challenges, from environmental impact assessments to the optimization of green energy algorithms. My collaborative projects underscore the importance of interdisciplinary approaches to solving complex issues related to climate change, biodiversity, and sustainable development.

My work in governance and global engagement has notably advanced data science education and sustainability research. I’ve launched a STEM “Supervised Machine Learning Using R” course and established the “Data Driven Solutions Research Lab” at CDMS-WSU, aligning academic efforts with industry and sustainability. A major success was initiating the partnership between the University of Colombo and Western Sydney University in 1999, leading to new degrees and global projects. My consultancy has influenced data science education in Sri Lankan universities like Peradeniya and Moratuwa, continuing with the Open University of Sri Lanka. Internationally, I’ve developed a data science diploma addressing the Fourth Industrial Revolution and led digital climate action initiatives, including roles in the IFIP Task Force and presenting at the National IT Conference in Sri Lanka. My participation in the National Science Foundation of Sri Lanka and the Sustainable Development Solutions Network, along with attending the Asia Pacific Environment Forum, showcases my commitment to sustainable development and educational innovation globally.