Lihini Jayasinghe receives the Royal Society of Chemistry Scholarship to conduct Undergraduate research at Oxford University, UK
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Lihini Jayasinghe is a third-year undergraduate of the Graduateship in Chemistry (GIC) Programme conducted by the College of Chemical Sciences (CCS), Institute of Chemistry Ceylon. Every year, the RSC offers two scholarships for undergraduate students around the world who are passionate and enthusiastic about conducting research. As competitive as it was, out of the many who applied, Lihini was fortunate enough to become one of the recipients of the scholarship that gave her the remarkable opportunity to conduct research at Oxford University, UK for a period of six weeks. At Oxford, she researched on the Screening of 3D micro-tumors with anti-cancer drugs under the supervision of Professor Hagan Bayley.
Amidst the lectures and practical schedule that she has to keep up with at CCS, the researcher in her continues to strive to reach heights which is why, upon her return, she has joined hands with SLINTEC as a research intern to conduct research on Graphene reinforced polymer composites. As an undergraduate, Lihini continues to perform with flying colours at the GIC Programme and would undoubtedly reach her ultimate goal of becoming an ardent scientist in her field of interest.
The Institute of Chemistry Ceylon, established in 1971 as the successor to the Chemical Society of Ceylon (founded in 1941) is a professional body responsible for the maintenance and enhancement of the profession of chemistry in Sri Lanka. The educational arm of the Institute, the College of Chemical Sciences (CCS) was established to conduct all educational and training activities of the Institute.
The GIC is a four year Chemistry programme offered by the CCS and has been conducted since 1979. Furthermore, it has been accepted as a professional qualification which is an alternate qualification to a Degree in Chemistry offered by a University by the Act of Parliament No. 15 of 1972 and has also been formally accredited by the Royal Society of Chemistry, UK. Students who have passed in three Science subjects including Chemistry at the G.C.E. Advanced Level Examination (Sri Lanka / UK) are deemed eligible to enroll in the GIC Programme.
Apart from the strong academic background provided, it is the goal of the Institute to provide a sublime research experience and extra curriculars to the undergraduates in order to help them unleash their true scientific potential.