Feb 14, Colombo: A Sri Lankan woman scientist is among the five researchers who have been named winners of the 2020 OWSD-Elsevier Foundation Awards for Early-Career Women Scientists in the Developing World.

Dr. Champika Ellawalla Kankanamge, a senior lecturer in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering of the University of Ruhuna has been recognized for her for her research on aquatic ecosystem conservation and pollution control.

Her work contributes to the control of invasive aquatic plants in river ecosystems and the prevention of ecosystem degradation, by restoring shade and encouraging the natural resistance of other native plants in the ecosystem to the invasive species, Elsevier Foundation said in a citation.

“Receiving this prestigious award proved to me that my efforts were valued and my work has been recognized,” said Dr. Ellawalla Kankanamge. “It will help me to continue and also to encourage young girls in advancement of their career.”

Launched in 2013, the OWSD-Elsevier Foundation Awards for Early Career Women Scientists reward and encourage women working and living in developing countries who are in the early stages of their scientific careers, having often overcome great challenges to achieve research excellence.

This year’s winning scholars from Bangladesh, Guatemala, Kenya, Sri Lanka and Yemen are being recognized for their diverse accomplishments in engineering, innovation & technology. The prize also acknowledges the scientists’ commitment to leading and mentoring young scientists, and to improving lives and livelihoods in their communities and regions.

“Recognition and visibility are important aspects of a scientific career,” said OWSD President Jennifer Thomson. “OWSD is proud and happy to be able to give these inspiring women scientists the recognition they deserve: for their outstanding science, their commitment to building a better world and their persistence in often challenging circumstances.”

The Elsevier Foundation supports a prize for each winner of USD $5,000 and an all-expenses-paid trip to attend the annual AAAS Meeting (American Association for the Advancement of Science) in Seattle, February 12-16, 2020. The five winners will be honored on February 15 at a special breakfast ceremony during the AAAS Meeting.