RICERCA 2.0 - Research Awareness Session
July 16, 2025 at 7:00 AM - July 28, 2025 at 3:30 PM @ Online event
Description
"RICERCA 2.0" was a comprehensive undergraduate research awareness session series organized by the IEEE Women in Engineering (WIE) Student Branch Affinity Group of General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU). Designed to foster a research driven mindset among undergraduates, the project aimed to bridge the gap between academic learning and the evolving needs of the research and innovation ecosystem. The initiative targeted students from the Faculties of Computing and Engineering, providing them with both theoretical insights and practical exposure to diverse research domains. The program unfolded in two main phases. The first was a physical session held on 16th July 2025 , from 2:30 PM onwards at the FGS Auditorium, KDU . This session began with an introductory talk on research fundamentals by Dr. Mahima Weerasinghe , a Senior Lecturer from SLIIT, who inspired students by outlining the importance of research in academic and industry contexts. This was followed by a highly engaging expert panel discussion featuring professionals from diverse backgrounds, including Dr. Pasan Maduranga (Senior Lecturer, University of Sri Jayawardenepura), Dr. Nisal Chandrasekara (Founder and CEO, Ceylon Cash; Community Lead of Bitcoin Deepa), Mr. Asela Waidyalankara (Vice President of Digital Trust Alliance), and Ms. Hansini Weerasinghe (Senior Business Solutions Engineer and Lecturer). The panel covered a wide spectrum of trending research areas such as Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning , IoT and Edge Computing , Cybersecurity and Privacy , and Blockchain and Web3 , providing students with insights into real world research applications and future opportunities. The second phase comprised two virtual sessions , each tailored to focus on a specific forward looking domain of technology. The first session was held on 25th July 2025 at 7:00 PM via Google Meet , and was led by Mr. Aruna Ishara Gamage , Coordinator of the Interactive Media Specialization and Senior Lecturer in Creative Computing at SLIIT. He delivered an in depth session on Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality with AI , showcasing how immersive technologies are being integrated into research and innovation. This session concluded with an interactive quiz competition to reinforce learning, and three top performing students were recognized for their excellence. The second virtual session took place on 28th July 2025 at 7:30 PM via Google Meet , featuring Dr. Mahinsasa Rathnayake , a Senior Lecturer from the Department of Chemical and Process Engineering at the University of Moratuwa. An expert in Life Cycle Assessment and sustainability focused research, Dr. Rathnayake explored the theme of Sustainable Systems and Green Technologies , encouraging students to pursue environmentally responsible research paths. RICERCA 2.0 was more than just an academic event. It was a well rounded knowledge sharing platform that empowered students to see research as an accessible, exciting, and impactful journey. It successfully connected students with leading experts, introduced them to emerging technology domains, and created a positive ripple effect within the university community by nurturing intellectual curiosity and academic engagement. The initiative was praised by both the Faculty of Computing and Faculty of Engineering at KDU for its relevance, quality, and contribution to student development. With overwhelmingly positive feedback and high engagement, many students expressed interest in further research focused events, solidifying RICERCA 2.0 as a pivotal step toward cultivating a long term research culture at KDU.
Agenda
Time Agenda Item 2:30 PM Commencement of the Event 2:30 PM – 2:32 PM Arrival of Guests 2:32 PM – 2:39 PM Opening Remarks and KDU Anthem 2:39 PM – 2:40 PM Moment of Silence for Fallen War Heroes 2:40 PM – 2:45 PM Lighting of the Oil Lamp 2:45 PM – 2:50 PM Welcome Speech 2:50 PM – 3:40 PM Introductory Session 3:40 PM – 3:50 PM Token of Appreciation – Introductory Speaker 3:50 PM – 4:10 PM Interactive Ice Breaking Session 4:10 PM – 4:15 PM Recognition of Winners 4:15 PM – 6:15 PM Panel Discussion 6:15 PM – 6:25 PM Token of Appreciation – Panelists 6:25 PM – 6:30 PM Vote of Thanks 6:30 PM onwards Refreshments