The University of Moratuwa proudly congratulates Prof. Dulani Meedeniya and Prof. Thilini U. Ariyadasa on their inclusion in the prestigious Stanford–Elsevier World’s Top 2% Scientists List 2026. This recognition reflects the international impact of their research contributions and further highlights the University’s commitment to research excellence, innovation and the advancement of knowledge.
The annual ranking recognizes researchers whose scholarly contributions have achieved significant global influence, as measured through standardized citation indicators. Compiled by Stanford University and Elsevier, the database evaluates both career-long and single-year research impact across 22 scientific fields and 174 sub-fields. Its composite indicator considers factors such as citation counts, co-authorship, and authorship position, thereby emphasizing the quality and influence of research rather than publication volume alone.
Prof. Dulani Meedeniya
Prof. Meedeniya is an accomplished academic and researcher with expertise in artificial intelligence, deep learning, computer vision, Agentic AI and software engineering. She holds a PhD in Computer Science from the University of St Andrews, United Kingdom, and is a Chartered Engineer in the UK and a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. She is also a Senior Member of IEEE and a member of ACM and IET.
Notably, Prof. Meedeniya has earned this prestigious recognition for the second consecutive year, reflecting the sustained international impact and significance of her research contributions.
Through her contributions to teaching, research supervision, curriculum development, and scholarly publication, Prof. Meedeniya has made a lasting impact at the University of Moratuwa and within the wider research community. Her recognition in the Stanford–Elsevier list reflects the international reach and significance of her research, as well as her continued contribution to advancing innovation in Sri Lanka and beyond.
Prof. Thilini U. Ariyadasa
Prof. Thilini U. Ariyadasa, Professor in the Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Moratuwa, and the founder of the Microalgae Research Group, has made significant contributions to microalgae biotechnology and sustainable bioprocess development. Her research primarily focuses on the development of microalgal cultivation systems, novel biomass harvesting and processing, and extraction and purification of high-value metabolites and bioactive compounds. Her work also extends to the environmental application of microalgae-based technologies in bioremediation, wastewater treatment and resource recovery, with an emphasis on sustainable and circular approaches to bioprocess development.
Prof. Ariyadasa has further contributed to the academic and scientific community through research publications in peer-reviewed journals, book chapters and a textbook for undergraduate students in Chemical and Process Engineering. She has also contributed to the wider scientific community through invited lectures, chairing scientific sessions, guest editorships and service on editorial boards of several esteemed journals. Her research excellence has been previously recognized through Presidential Awards for Scientific Research for 2019, 2020 and 2021, as well as a Vice Chancellor’s Awards for 2023 and 2024 from the University of Moratuwa. Beyond her research and academic contributions, she has played an important role in mentoring young engineers and supporting greater participation of women in engineering and technology.
The University of Moratuwa extends its warmest congratulations to Prof. Meedeniya and Prof. Ariyadasa and to all researchers recognized for their outstanding achievements in 2026.
The complete database is available through the Elsevier Data Repository
