Dilhani Bandaranayake
Dr Dilhani Bandaranayake
Manager, International Relations - Faculties of Health &
Program Manager - Hoc Mai, the Australia Vietnam Medical Foundation
University of Sydney
Dr Dilhani Bandaranayake comes from a public health, behavioural science and epidemiological background. She spent almost ten years in epidemiological and behavioural research in New Zealand and Australia with a focus on patterns and surveillance of disease, sun protection, skin cancer, smoking prevention, breast cancer and communication skills of doctors over her research career. Dilhani received a Cancer Council Scholarship to undertake her PhD at the University of Newcastle which she completed in 2002. Her PhD research focused on the epidemiological and behavioural factors of non melanocytic skin cancers and why they progress to an advanced stage before treatment. Dilhani left research in 2004 and instead worked with public health researchers and policy makers for three years to build and improve research capacity within New South Wales. Her main area of focus was assisting in the development and support of early career researchers and improving the research infrastructure for researchers in NSW.
Dilhani joined Hoc Mãi the Australia Vietnam Foundation (within the University of Sydney) as Program Manager in April 2007. More recently she has also taken on the role of Manager, International Relations for the Faculties of Health International Office at the University of Sydney.
As Program Manager for the Hoc Mãi Foundation, Dilhani is responsible for the coordination, management and development of the Foundation's programs. These include the Maternal and Child Health program in Dien Bien Phu and Hanoi, the Train-the-Trainer program and the Tu Du Hospital Education program in Ho Chi Minh City. Within the Hoc Mãi Fellowship Program (funded by AusAID in 2007) she is responsible for defining the objectives of Vietnamese scholars coming to Australia, developing the teaching program for their three month fellowship and evaluating the Fellowship program. Dilhani's role also involves expanding the scope of the Foundation though development of new funding grant applications, procurement of philanthropic funds and promotion of the Foundation to raise its profile.
As Manager, International Relations, Dilhani is responsible for developing key strategic relationships in regards to research and innovation, teaching and learning , the student experience and community engagement between the University of Sydney and other stakeholders in target countries and regions. Dilhani provides analysis, program development, support and advice on relationships with partners in these target countries and regions. Dilhani's region portfolio includes: Africa, Europe, Pacific and specific countries in South and East Asia including Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh and East Timor.