Biographical Note - Dr Dilhani Bandaranayake

Dilhani joined the University of Sydney in 2007 as Program Manager of Học Mãi the Australia Vietnam Medical Foundation. She moved to the Office for Global Health (formerly the Faculties of Health International Office) as Manager of International Relations in 2008.

Dilhani 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 looked at 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 moved on to work 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.

In her previous role as Program Manager of Học Mãi the Australia Vietnam Medical Foundation, Dilhani was responsible for the coordination, management and development of the Foundation’s programs. These included 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. Dilhani’s role also involved 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.

In her current role as Manager, International Relations for the Office for Global Health, 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. She also provides analysis, program development support and advice on funding and relationships with partners in these target countries and regions for Sydney Medical School.

Dilhani’s region portfolio includes: Europe, Pacific and specific countries in South and South East Asia including India, Timor Leste, Cambodia, Nepal and Sri Lanka.