Professor Saman Seneweera is a distinguished plant scientist, serving as the Chairman of the National Science Foundation of Sri Lanka and Chair Professor of Agricultural Engineering and Environmental Technology at the University of Ruhuna's Faculty of Agriculture. With over three decades of groundbreaking research, he is recognised globally for his work on climate change biology and its impact on agriculture and sustainability. His research focuses on plant metabolism to extreme climate conditions, elevated CO2 levels, and water scarcity, and he has developed innovative adaptation strategies to adapt our crops and pasture to future climates.
After earning his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture degree from the University of Ruhuna, Professor Seneweera began his research career at the National Institute of Fundamental Studies (NIFS) in Sri Lanka, working with world-leading scientists like F.N. and Cyril Ponnamperuma. His passion for plant science led him to pursue a Ph.D. in Plant Physiology at the University of Western Sydney, where he explored the effects of rising CO2 concentrations on photosynthetic carbon metabolism. This early work laid the foundation for his continued research on climate change's impact on global food security and sustainable agriculture.
Throughout his career, Professor Seneweera has held academic and leadership roles at prestigious institutions, including the University of Melbourne, University of Southern Queensland Australia, Tohoku University of Japan, and the University of Illinois, USA; as well as Director, CEO, and CFO at NIFS, Sri Lanka. Under his leadership, NIFS achieved significant improvements in global rankings and research output.
Professor Seneweera has supervised over 40 PhD students and many Master's candidates, emphasizing the integration of research into teaching. His academic portfolio includes over 200 peer-reviewed publications in top-tier journals such as Nature and Science, with an h-index of 50. His research has earned international recognition, placing him in the top 2% of scientists worldwide according to Stanford University rankings.
In addition to his research achievements, Professor Seneweera has secured over $20 million in research funding, driving large-scale initiatives to improve crop resilience and mitigate climate change effects. He has played a key role in fostering national and international collaborations and influencing policies to promote sustainable agricultural practices.
Professor Seneweera’s work continues to inspire innovations in agriculture and sustainability, contributing to global efforts towards a more secure and sustainable future.
As the Chairman of the National Science Foundation (NSF) of Sri Lanka, it is my privilege to address our valued scientific community, stakeholders, and the public. The NSF has been a cornerstone in promoting science, technology, and innovation (STI) within Sri Lanka, and it is dedicated to cultivating a knowledge-driven society and economy.
Our commitment to advancing research excellence is manifest through a variety of initiatives. The Competitive Research Grants program has been instrumental in funding projects that address national priorities and contribute to global scientific knowledge. By supporting interdisciplinary research, we aim to address complex challenges and motivate innovation across multiple sectors.
Recognizing the pivotal role of human capital in the advancement of Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI), the NSF has implemented programs aimed at enhancing the skills and expertise of researchers and professionals. The Research Scholarships and Postdoctoral Research Fellowships provide opportunities for emerging scientists to engage in advanced studies and contribute to the national research agenda. Furthermore, the Overseas Special Training Programme promotes exposure to international best practices, thereby nurturing a culture of excellence and innovation.
International collaboration is imperative for advancing scientific knowledge in an increasingly interconnected world. NSF has forged partnerships with global institutions to promote knowledge exchange and collaborative research initiatives. Programs such as the International Collaborative Research Programme and the International Partnerships for Science and Technology Programme have empowered researchers from Sri Lanka to participate in state-of-the-art research and contribute to the global scientific discourse.
Promoting scientific literacy and fostering a culture of inquiry are central to our mission. Through initiatives like the Science Education and Popularization Programme and the School Science Societies, we aim to inspire the next generation of scientists and to cultivate a society that values and understands the importance of science. Our publications, including the Journal of the National Science Foundation of Sri Lanka (JNSF) and the Sri Lanka Journal of Social Science (SLJSS), function as platforms for disseminating research findings and facilitating scholarly communication.
The NSF is committed to bridging the gap between research and industry. Our Technology Development and Innovation Division works closely with stakeholders to translate research findings into practical applications that promote economic growth and societal well-being. By facilitating technology transfer and commercialization initiatives, we aim to enhance the competitiveness of Sri Lankan industries and contribute to sustainable development.
Upholding the principles of good governance, transparency, and accountability is fundamental to our operations. The NSF has instituted robust management practices to ensure the efficient and effective utilisation of resources. Our strategic plan for the years 2024 to 2028 describes our vision and objectives, supporting our initiatives with national development goals as well as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
As we navigate the complexities of the modern world, the NSF remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) in Sri Lanka. We acknowledge the formidable challenges presented by global issues such as climate change, agriculture challenges, health crises, and economic uncertainties. In response to these challenges, we are directing our efforts towards research and innovation that specifically address these concerns, leveraging science and technology to foster resilience and stimulate sustainable development.
I sincerely thank our researchers, partners, and stakeholders for their unwavering support and dedication. Together, we will continue to harness the power of science and innovation to create a prosperous and sustainable future for Sri Lanka.
Prof. Saman Seneweera
Chairman, National Science Foundation, Sri Lanka