Strengthening Global Partnerships: Duke-Ruhuna Collaborative Research Centre and Duke-NUS Join Forces

On August 7, 2025, Prof. Ruklanthi De Alwis, Deputy Director of the Centre for Outbreak Preparedness at Duke-NUS Medical School, met with the Duke-Ruhuna Collaborative Research Centre team (Prof. Ajith Nagahawatte, Prof. Truls Ostbye, Dr. Subodha Wickramasinghe, Dr. Ruvini Kurukulasooriya, and Ms. Anuththara Kariyawasam) to advance collaboration under the Asia Pathogen Genomics Initiative. Prof. De Alwis emphasized her strong commitment to partnering with Duke-Ruhuna to enhance pathogen genome sequencing capabilities, with a special focus on the Chikungunya virus.

This partnership aims to strengthen the molecular laboratory at Duke-Ruhuna Collaborative Research Centre through technical training and knowledge exchange, building Sri Lanka’s capacity in infectious disease research and diagnostics. Discussions also explored research opportunities on leptospirosis, hantavirus, and broader pathogen genomics, underscoring a shared dedication to tackling emerging infectious diseases.

We look forward to continued collaboration and innovation as Duke-Ruhuna and Duke-NUS work together to improve health outcomes locally and globally.