Ruwini EDIRISINGHE

Dr Ruwini Edirisinghe is a Vice-Chancellor’s Research Fellow at RMIT.

Ruwini Edirisinghe specialises in digital innovation in Built Environment, particularly in facility management and construction management. Her specific research projects address the emerging needs of Construction 4.0 and Construction 5.0 through smart technologies such as smart wearables, IoT, BIM, digital twins, AR//XR/MR, Blockchain, analytics and AI to improve work heath and safety, infrastructure performance prediction, life cycle assessments, decarbonization and circularity in built infrastructure. She is a senior member of Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and School representative of CIB Working Commission W078 (ICT in Construction)

Ruwini's research and engagement activities in diversity and inclusion area focus on improving the under-representation of diverse groups in engineering and construction professions. Some projects include Women in Engineering and Construction. Ruwini has been a passionate and effective advocate for gender diversity in the engineering profession since 2012 through IEEE, the world's largest technical professional organisation and since 2014 through RMIT's Women Researcher's Network. Currently she leads teams/committees to promote diversity beyond gender to make an impact across the whole 'education' and 'career pipeline' including school outreach programs.

Ruwini has demonstrated research leadership by securing a growing volume of grants and prestigious fellowships. So far, Ruwini has secured $4.9 million in research funding and has been awarded several research awards. She has a strong track record of leading collaborations with local and national research partners and also with industry and the community to make an impact.

Awards and fellowships:
Outstanding Volunteer award (2023), IEEE (The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) Vic
Vistas Award (2023), CIB (The International Council for Research and Innovation in Building and Construction)
RMIT Research Award: Malcolm Moore Industry (2015), RMIT University
Vice-Chancellor's Research Fellowship Award (2015), RMIT University
Early Career Researcher International Travel Award (2014), RMIT University
Endeavour Post-doctoral Research Fellowship Award (2011), Australian Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations
Research Commercialisation Training Award (2008), Commonwealth Government, Australia