Sri Lankan Researcher Denethi Wijegunawardana Wins Prestigious US Medical Fellowship for Groundbreaking Work on Brain Diseases

Denethi Wijegunawardana, a proud alumna of Musaeus College, Colombo 07, has earned international recognition for her groundbreaking research on neurodegenerative diseases. She has been awarded the Gilliam Fellowship for Advanced Study by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) in Washington, D.C., one of the world’s most prestigious medical research organisations.

Currently a fourth-year PhD candidate at the Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, USA, Denethi was honoured on September 14, 2025, for her pioneering work on devastating brain disorders including dementia and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).

The Gilliam Fellowship, valued at US$ 600,000 (approximately Rs. 180 million), will fund Denethi’s research, provide access to advanced resources, and support her future postdoctoral studies. It also includes mentorship and leadership training designed to help her continue advancing global medical knowledge.

“Being recognised by HHMI, one of the world’s most respected research institutions, is an incredible honour,” Denethi said. “This fellowship not only supports my studies, it invests in my growth as a scientist, a leader, and a mentor.”

The HHMI awards the Gilliam Fellowship annually to outstanding PhD students who exhibit exceptional potential as future leaders in scientific research. As one of this year’s recipients, Denethi has joined an elite group of young innovators making strides toward solving complex medical challenges.

Driven by her passion for neuroscience, Denethi describes the human brain as “the most sophisticated object in the universe.” Her research focuses on understanding its intricate mechanisms and what happens when these processes fail in diseases like dementia and ALS. “My main target is finding comprehensive and proven solutions for detrimental neurodegenerative diseases,” she stated.

Part of her fellowship funding will support the creation of NeuroConnect @Yale, an annual event that will unite patients, scientists, and medical professionals to exchange knowledge on neurodegenerative conditions. Denethi also hopes to bring similar initiatives to Sri Lanka, collaborating with neurologists and healthcare institutions to enhance awareness and clinical outreach for Sri Lankan patients and families affected by brain disorders.

From the classrooms of Musaeus College to the world-renowned laboratories of Yale University, Denethi’s journey stands as an inspiring example of determination, intellect, and compassion — proving that Sri Lankan talent continues to shine on the global stage.