Rate Professor Kosala Ranathunge

Professional Summary: Professor Kosala Ranathunge

Professor Kosala Ranathunge is a distinguished academic at the University of Western Australia (UWA), recognized for his expertise in plant physiology and biophysics. With a focus on plant-water relations and stress responses, he has made significant contributions to understanding the mechanisms of water and nutrient transport in plants, particularly under environmental stress conditions.

Academic Background and Degrees

Professor Ranathunge holds advanced degrees in plant science and related fields, equipping him with a strong foundation for his research career. Specific details of his academic qualifications include:

• PhD in Plant Physiology/Biophysics (specific institution and year to be verified from primary sources)
• Relevant undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in biological sciences (details to be confirmed)

Research Specializations and Academic Interests

Professor Ranathunge’s research primarily focuses on:

• Plant-water relations and the role of aquaporins in water transport
• Biophysical mechanisms of nutrient uptake in plant roots
• Plant responses to environmental stresses such as drought and salinity
• Application of advanced imaging and biophysical techniques to study plant physiology

Career History and Appointments

Professor Ranathunge has held several academic and research positions, with a notable tenure at the University of Western Australia. His career trajectory includes:

• Current Position: Associate Professor, School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia
• Previous research and academic roles at international institutions (specific details to be verified from official profiles)

Major Awards, Fellowships, and Honors

While specific awards and honors are to be confirmed from primary sources such as UWA’s official records or academic databases, Professor Ranathunge is recognized within the plant science community for his contributions. Notable recognitions include:

• Grants and funding for research in plant physiology (details pending verification)

Key Publications

Professor Ranathunge has authored and co-authored numerous peer-reviewed papers in high-impact journals. Some of his key publications include:

• Ranathunge, K., et al. (2004). 'Control of water uptake by rice (Oryza sativa L.): role of the outer part of the root.' Planta.
• Ranathunge, K., et al. (2011). 'A new precipitation technique provides evidence for the permeability of Casparian bands to ions in young roots of corn (Zea mays L.) and rice (Oryza sativa L.).' Plant, Cell & Environment.
• Ranathunge, K., et al. (2017). 'Water and solute permeabilities of Arabidopsis roots in relation to the amount and composition of aliphatic suberin.' Journal of Experimental Botany.

Additional publications and citation metrics can be accessed via academic databases such as Google Scholar or ResearchGate under his profile.

Influence and Impact on Academic Field

Professor Ranathunge’s research has advanced the understanding of water and nutrient transport mechanisms in plants, contributing to agricultural science and environmental sustainability. His work on aquaporins and root physiology has implications for improving crop resilience to drought and other stresses, influencing both academic research and practical applications in agriculture.

Public Lectures, Committees, and Editorial Contributions

While specific details of public lectures, committee roles, and editorial contributions are to be verified, Professor Ranathunge is known to engage actively in the academic community through:

• Presentations at international conferences on plant physiology and biophysics
• Potential involvement in peer review and editorial boards for scientific journals (pending confirmation)