A team of six students of top five projects among 10 winning projects who scored the highest in the NSF Science Research Project Competition (SRPC) 2024 participated in the 31st International Conference of Young Scientists (ICYS), held from 6-10 April 2025 in Rayong, Thailand. The ICYS is a unique opportunity fostering collaboration, international exposure, exchanging innovative ideas through project presentations and highlighting the most recent advances in STEM education pedagogies.
The following five projects were presented by the Sri Lankan delegation:
- "Study on the efficacy of Mikania micrantha extracts incorporated with nano clay as a pest controlling method against aphids"
A.Y.B. Weerakoon - Dharmaraja College, Kandy - "Producing flour from banana (Musa) rhizome for widening its uses in the food industry"
M.A.K.M. Dodamgoda and J.A.M.R. Jayakody - Maliyadeva College, Kurunegala - "Developing a Simple ML-Drive Model for Predicting Fish Species Distribution"
K.G.G. Kavisha Nethsara Amarasinghe - Harischandra National College, Negombo - "A sustainable solution for polymer synthesis"
P.A.T. Piyadasa - Sirimavo Bandaranaike Vidyalaya, Colombo - "Effect of coconut water, well water and IBA on rooting of Jasminum officinale stem cuttings"
S.K.L. Sasenya - Sanghamiththa Balika Vidyalaya, Galle
Among these, the following three projects were awarded Bronze Medals at the conference, showcasing the exceptional research capabilities of the students. These international awards highlight the high standard of scientific inquiry being fostered through the SRPC.
- "Producing flour from banana (Musa) rhizome for widening its uses in the food industry"
M.A.K.M. Dodamgoda and J.A.M.R. Jayakody -Maliyadeva College, Kurunegala
- " Developing a Simple ML-Drive Model for Predicting Fish Species Distribution "
K.G.G. Kavisha Nethsara Amarasinghe - Harischandra National College, Negombo
- "A sustainable solution for polymer synthesis"
P.A.T. Piyadasa - Sirimavo Bandaranaike Vidyalaya, Colombo
The students gained valuable experience through presenting their research works to international peers and expert judges, engaging in cross-cultural exchange, and broadening their perspectives in science and innovation. Their participation in ICYS 2025 not only brought pride to their schools and country but also set an inspiring example for aspiring young scientists across Sri Lanka. The above winners are a witness for the potential and the caliber of SRPC programme of NSF in nurturing future research leaders of global stature.