This internet browser is outdated and does not support all features of this site. Please switch or upgrade to a different browser to display this site properly.

Research

A Higher Degree by Research gives you the opportunity to specialise in your field, drive innovation, and contribute meaningful solutions to real-world challenges. Supported by expert supervision and a globally connected research environment, your discoveries can create impact across academia, industry, and society.

Introduction to the Higher Degree by Research (HDR) Unit

The Higher Degree by Research (HDR) Unit at Curtin Colombo supports advanced research that contributes to global knowledge while addressing regional and national priorities. Our HDR programs provide candidates with the opportunity to undertake original, in-depth research in their chosen discipline under the guidance of experienced academic supervisors.

Through a strong research culture, access to academic expertise, and alignment with Curtin University’s international standards, the HDR Unit at Curtin Colombo enables researchers to develop critical thinking, advanced methodological skills, and impactful research outcomes valued by academia, industry, and society.

Research Degree’s

Research Supervisors

Curtin Colombo’s Research Supervisors are accomplished academics with strong research profiles and experience in supervising higher degree research candidates. Supervisors provide academic guidance, methodological support, and mentorship throughout the research journey, ensuring candidates maintain high scholarly and ethical standards.

Each supervisor is aligned with Curtin’s research priorities and contributes to ongoing academic and industry-focused research initiatives.

Principal Supervisors

The principal supervisors overseeing candidates will be directly from Curtin University Perth;

Professor Daniel Southam

Professor Daniel Southam

  • Faculty: Curtin Perth
  • School: Faculty of Science and Engineering
  • Location: Curtin Perth
  • Disciplines: Chemistry Education, interdisciplinary learning, and educational innovation
  • Profile Link:
    Professor Daniel Southam
Associate Professor Sonny Pham

Associate Professor Sonny Pham

  • Faculty: Curtin Perth
  • School: School of Elec Eng, Comp and Math Sci (EECMS)
  • Location: Curtin Perth
  • Disciplines: Computationally efficient deep learning architecture and applications,
    Responsible and explainable AI for health, Computer vision, Industrial applications
  • Profile Link:
    Professor Sonny Pham
Associate Professor David McMeekin

Associate Professor David McMeekin

  • Faculty: Curtin Perth
  • School: School of Elec Eng, Comp and Math Sci (EECMS)
  • Location: Curtin Perth
  • Disciplines: Cultural heritage data linking, Linked open data, Location data analysis, Semantic web technologies, Software Engineering
  • Profile Link:
    Professor David McMeekin

Internal Supervisors

Professor Dasuni Nawinna

Professor Dasuni Nawinna

  • Faculty: Curtin Global
  • School: School of Elec Eng, Comp and Math Sci (EECMS)
  • Location: Curtin Colombo
  • Disciplines:
    Human-Centred Requirements Engineering for Complex Digital Systems,
    Socio-Capital and Inclusive Digital Development,
    Technology Enhanced Education
  • Profile Link:
    Professor Dasuni Nawinna
Dr. Umanga Pilapitiya

Dr. Umanga Pilapitiya

  • Faculty: Curtin Global
  • School: School of Elec Eng, Comp and Math Sci (EECMS)
  • Location: Curtin Colombo
  • Disciplines:
    CS and SE Education, Information Technology and Education,
    Innovative approaches for Education
  • Profile Link:
    Dr. Umanga Pilapitiya
Professor Mahesha Kapurubandara

Professor Mahesha Kapurubandara

  • Faculty: Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology
  • School:Global Curtin
  • Location: Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology
  • Disciplines:
    Digital Transformation, Higher Education Governance and Internationalization, Information Systems and Technology Adoption
  • Profile Link:
    Prof. Mahesha Kapurubandara

Download the HDR application for admission form 

You should send inquiries, applications, and/or submissions regarding the Graduate School to [email protected]