Biography

Lakshmi Wijeyewickrema is a dedicated advocate for women in STEM, with a passion for fostering diversity and inclusion in the scientific community. With over 18 years of experience in academia, Lakshmi has made significant contributions through her research, leadership, and mentorship.

Currently serving as Senior Lecturer/Laboratory Head at La Trobe University, Lakshmi leads innovative projects that push the boundaries of protein biochemistry. Her work has been published in numerous prestigious journals and she is internationally recognized for her contributions to the Complement and coagulation field. Lakshmi is also deeply committed to supporting the next generation of women in STEM. She actively mentors young female scientists, providing guidance and encouragement to help them navigate their careers. Through workshops, seminars, and one-on-one mentorship, she aims to break down barriers and create opportunities for women to thrive in STEM fields.

As a member of various professional organisations and advocacy groups, Lakshmi works tirelessly to promote gender equality in STEM. She believes that a diverse and inclusive environment leads to better scientific outcomes and is dedicated to making this vision a reality.