Dr. Thilina Heenatigala (he/him) is a Specially Appointed Assistant Professor and the Director of Communications at Earth-Life Science Institute (ELSI) at the Tokyo Institute of Technology (Tokyo Tech). He heads the ELSI PR Office, teaches science communication for graduate students, supervises science communication internships, and coordinates science and society projects. He also conducts astronomy research projects with students from developing countries through the Las Cumbres Observatory and the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan. His research interests are public engagement evaluation, science & society strategies at research institutions, astrobiology communication, and decolonising science. 

He is a co-organiser of the Japan SciCom Forum, the only English-language science communication group in Japan to host an annual conference and regular meetups. He's also affiliated with the International Astronomical Union (IAU) to support the offices on various projects and as a reviewer. He coordinates decolonising science efforts at the UN Science Summit and science engagement activities through Falling Walls Engage Hub Japan.

COLLABORATIONS:

For scholars: open to potential project and grant collaborations related to the below research interest or related, please contact

For students: if you have an interest in science communication or related project work or internship, please contact

E-mail: thilinah(AT)elsi.jp

RESEARCH INTEREST:

Evaluation: (at ELSI)

The research design to assess the public outreach, engagement, and research communication activities and events that would have a broader understanding of the 'science and society' model. 


Astrobiology and Transdisciplinary: (at ELSI)

Exploring transdisciplinary astrobiology through the synergy of education, communication, art, and engagement with and for society.


Origins of Life and Society: (at ELSI)

Assessment of big questions in OoL - When and where did life on Earth begin? What are the ingredients of life on Earth? What are the major scientific theories for life emergence? 


Science-Art with Astrobiology / Origins of Life: (at ELSI)

Crossing the boundaries of science and art with astrobiology and origins of life through an interdisciplinary approach.


Decolonising Science/Astronomy: (at UN/IAU)

The critical look at how science enterprise actively engaged for years and continues to do so in colonial practices in academia. 


Remote Astronomical Observation: (at LCO/NAOJ)

To use remote astronomical facilities for research projects with undergraduate and graduate students in developing countries.

CURRENT PROJECTS:

TEACHING:

COLLABORATING SCHOLARS: FY2023-

STUDENT SUPERVISION: Science Communication (internships) FY2021-

Collaborating Institutions: Leiden University, National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ), Astrobiology Centre Japan (ABC), Blue Marble Space Institute of Science (BMSIS), NASA Astrobiology, Japan SciCom Forum (JSF).

STUDENT SUPERVISION: Astronomy (undergraduate/master) FY2019-

Collaborating Institutions: National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ), Las Cumbres Observatory, University of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka Astronomical Research Initiative (SLARI), University of Jaffna