University of Melbourne to University of Kelaniya: Inspiring Students to Explore Physiology

The Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, recently hosted two distinguished researchers from the University of Melbourne, Australia, who conducted an inspiring session on integrative physiology for undergraduate medical students.

Professors Yugeesh Lankadeva and Scott Ayton led an interactive lecture titled “When Cardiovascular and Renal Physiology Turns Against Us: Health to Life-Threatening Infections.” The session highlighted the intricate links between cardiovascular, renal, and neurological systems, sparking enthusiastic participation from students during the lively Q&A segment.

About the Visiting Scholars

Professor Yugeesh Lankadeva serves as Professor in the Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, the Department of Critical Care at the University of Melbourne, and the Department of Anaesthesia at Austin Hospital. He also heads the Stroke and Critical Care Priority Research Area and the Translational Cardiovascular and Renal Research Group at the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health. Additionally, he is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya.

Professor Scott Ayton is Professor of Neuroscience at the University of Melbourne, Director of the NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Enhanced Dementia Diagnosis, Head of the Dementia Mission and Translational Neurodegeneration Laboratory at the Florey Institute, an NHMRC Leadership Fellow, and a Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher. His research spans both laboratory studies (metabolism and physiology) and clinical applications (fluid and imaging biomarkers, clinical trials) aimed at uncovering the causes of dementia, advancing diagnostic tools, and developing novel therapeutics.

Knowledge Exchange and Collaboration

Postgraduate students and faculty staff also had the opportunity to engage with the visiting scholars during a lunchtime research seminar. Their presentation underscored how mechanism-guided diagnostics and therapies are shaping early identification, prevention, and reversal of brain and kidney injury associated with sepsis.

The visit not only provided invaluable insights into cutting-edge research but also created opportunities for academic exchange. Staff and students were able to showcase the Department of Physiology’s teaching and research facilities, laying the groundwork for future collaborations and student exchange programs with the University of Melbourne.