DrGayani Karunasena

Dr Gayani Karunasena is a Senior Lecturer in Construction Management at Deakin University and an internationally recognised researcher in sustainable built environments. Her work focuses on advancing circular economy solutions, including building circularity, waste management, and low-carbon transitions in the construction sector.

With over 140 publications and more than 2,000 citations, Dr Karunasena’s research has achieved global impact, including work ranked among the top 1% most cited worldwide. Her research informs policy discussions, industry practices, and sustainable development strategies, particularly in relation to resource efficiency and climate-responsive construction. She regularly collaborates with industry and government partners to translate research into practical solutions. She is also an active media contributor on topics such as circular construction, sustainability in infrastructure, and the future of the built environment.

At Deakin, she leads teaching and research in quantity surveying and construction management and serves as Campus Coordinator for Construction Management at Burwood. She is also Deputy Chair of the Faculty Human Ethics Advisory Group, contributing to research governance and integrity.

Dr Karunasena is a Fellow of Advance HE and a member of the Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (AIQS) and the Institute of Quantity Surveyors Sri Lanka (IQSSL).