DrRuwini Cooray

Dr. Ruwini Cooray is a postdoctoral researcher in neuroscience with expertise spanning molecular biology, genetics, and translational neurobiology. She has completed a BSc (Hons) in Biomedical Science and an MSc in Biotechnology in the UK, and her PhD in Neuroscience at Deakin University, Australia. Her research background combines over eight years of experience in molecular neuroscience, neurogenetics, and stem cell biology, with a strong focus on understanding mechanisms of neurodegeneration and developing advanced therapeutic approaches.

At Deakin, Dr. Cooray’s work has contributed to the study of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, with emphasis on neuronal cell models, transcriptomic analysis, and cannabinoid-based therapeutics. Her expertise includes human cell culture, neuronal differentiation, organoid/spheroid research, and advanced genomic and transcriptomic methodologies. Beyond laboratory research, she has extensive experience in supervising and mentoring undergraduate and postgraduate students, leading over 30 research projects and internships.

Dr. Cooray is also the founder and CEO of Neurogen Global Pty Ltd, a Melbourne-based biotech startup pioneering cell-based brain implants for neurodegenerative disease, and the founder of the Nova-Intelligence network. Through this translational endeavour, she has developed strong capabilities in research commercialisation, industry engagement, and multidisciplinary collaboration, positioning uniquely at the intersection of academic research and entrepreneurial innovation.