Paper submission deadline extended to September 25, 2026
URS FNS 2026 — Faculty of Natural Sciences
Undergraduate Research Symposium 2026
A platform for undergraduate researchers to present their work, exchange ideas, and contribute to the future of science.
Only for current FNS undergraduates
Date
19 November 2026
Venue
The Open University of Sri Lanka,
Nawala, Nugegoda
Symposium theme
Beyond Boundaries: Where Curiosity Meets Discovery
Undergraduate Research Conference of the Faculty of Natural Sciences 2026
About URS FNS 2026
URS FNS 2026 is the inaugural Undergraduate Research Symposium organised by the Faculty of Natural Sciences, The Open University of Sri Lanka. The symposium provides a platform for undergraduate students to showcase their research, exchange ideas, and engage with the wider academic community.
By promoting scientific inquiry, innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration, URS FNS 2026 aims to strengthen the research culture within the Faculty and inspire the next generation of researchers. The symposium celebrates the creativity, dedication, and achievements of undergraduate scholars while fostering meaningful academic dialogue and knowledge sharing.
Important dates
Stay informed, stay prepared.
31 July 2026
Abstract & extended abstract submission opens
25 September 2026
Abstract & extended abstract submission deadline
30 September 2026
Notification of acceptance
5 October 2026
Camera-ready submission
19 November 2026
Symposium
Symposium tracks
Participants are invited to present their research under one of the following thematic tracks, reflecting the broad spectrum of contemporary scientific investigation.
Biological, Environmental and Health Sciences
Physical and Chemical Sciences
Computing and Artificial Intelligence
Mathematical Sciences, Statistics and Modelling
Student leadership & collaboration
The symposium is organized entirely by undergraduate students of the Faculty of Natural Sciences under the guidance of academic staff. It is a collaborative initiative involving the Departments of Physics, Chemistry, Zoology, Plant Sciences, Mathematics, and Computer Science.
The Organizing Committee of URS FNS 2026 invites undergraduate students to submit their research work and participate in this event, which marks an important milestone in strengthening the research culture of the Faculty of Natural Sciences.
Highlights
Watch and get inspired.
2026 Committee
Advisory panel and student committee: guiding excellence through experience.
Advisory panel
Faculty advisors
Prof. Susira Perera
Prof. Gihan Dahanayake
Dr. Kokila Ranasinghe
Editorial committee
Prof. Thelma Abeysinghe
Prof. Uthpala Jayawardhane
Dr. K.O.L.C. Karunanayake
Dr. P. K. Adhihetty
Dr. Vijanaka Fernando
Dr. H.O.W. Peiris
Mrs. W.C. Uduwela
Media & publicity committee
Dr. M. F. M. Sabri
Dr. H.B.P. Sandani
IT committee
Dr. Suresha Perera
Dr. Renuka Perera
Event & workshops committee
Prof. C.D. Jayasinghe
Dr. H.V.U.A. Abeywickrema
Fund raising committee
Mrs. K.D.V. F. Siriwardana
Mrs. E.M.M.W.K.O. Bandaranayaka
Student committee
Executive
W.P. Romani Boteju
Chair
T.T.M.D.C.N. Thennakoon
Vice Chair
Udani Abeyratna
Secretary
Editorial committee
K.S.A. Panditharathna
Leader
A.D. Liyanage
H.G.S Dilrukshi
M. S. F. Raihana
M.K.F Haleema
W.V.S. Dewmini
S. Sharmini
G. A. P. Dilusha
A.C.K. Dharmasiri
Y.A.D.R. Nimesh
M.I. F Ilma
D.B.S. Kumarasinghe
G. Gayathiri
Media & publicity committee
Dineth Bamunusingha
Leader
W.T. Dulanjalee
H.D.P. Poornima Ananda
M.S.S. Saleema
D.K.C. Dehigasthenna
S. S. Abeygunawardana
M.J.F Shimla
H.H.N. Perera
M.I.F Azka
G.K.T. Sanjana
M. F Rumaisa
R.M.S.J. Rathnayake
I.F Shahana
IT committee
B.A.M.T.T Abeysinghe
Leader
W.D.H.M. Perera
H. Dinesh Perera
A. Noel Jayanthakumar
A.G.T.S. Sachinthani
H.H.M.A.G.H.A Herath
T. Tinojan
Inaugural ceremony & workshops committee
Pamuditha Ramanayake
Leader
E. K. Weerakoon
A.R.S.M. Jayasampath
M.N. Ginige
S. L. P Dishan
K. Nishaliny
W.A.T.S. Perera
M.S. Gunasekara
N.M.A.U. Mohottala
G. Suresh
M. Minodie Sandanika
T.P. Enuri Dulara
O.S. Namalarachchi
W.T.D. Alwis
A.N.F. Rimsha
P.G.N. Madubashani
M.N.F Ilma
D.G.H.T.M. Dayananda
P. Midusha
F.A. Arshed
M.S. Mohamed Sifan
Fund raising committee
K.G.S.H. Abayawardhana
Leader
H.A.C.J.K. Hettiarachchi
R.M.T.K. Bandara
G.G.D.C.N. Gamage
J. Vikaas
H.K.A.E. Wijesinghe
M.R.F. Zahra
K.S.F Saheera
A.B.R. Pabodini
M.U.P Amna
Pre-workshops
Online sessions on Zoom to help you prepare your research for the symposium.
Pre-symposium workshop 1
Data Analysis & Advanced Statistics with R Language
Start your research journey with the very first webinar of the URS FNS 2026 Webinar Series. Learn to navigate data handling, statistical tools and meaningful analysis for your undergraduate projects.
Dr. Kasun Dayananda
Research Scientist (PhD in Ecology), Field Ornithology Group of Sri Lanka; Department of Zoology and Environmental Sciences, University of Colombo
12 August 2026
6:00 PM onwards on Zoom
Pre-registration is required to secure your spot. Participants will receive a Certificate of Participation.
Pre-symposium workshop 2
Abstract Writing & Research Presentation
Take your research from a great idea to a clear and impactful presentation: craft effective abstracts, communicate your research clearly, and present with confidence.
Professor Gaya R. Ranawaka
BSc (Colombo), DIC Parasitology (Imperial College, London), PhD (London); Senior Professor in Zoology, Department of Zoology
16 August 2026
6:00 PM onwards on Zoom
Pre-registration is required to secure your spot. Participants will receive a Certificate of Participation.
Pre-symposium workshop 3
Beyond the Publication: Knowledge and Technology Transfer Office – The Success of ILC
What comes after publishing your research? Patents and protecting innovations, research commercialization, and turning research ideas into start-ups.
Dr. Gayan D. Illeperuma
Senior Lecturer & Head, Department of Physics, OUSL; Coordinator, Neo-Space Innovation Fab Lab; Director, Knowledge and Technology Transfer Office, OUSL
24 August 2026
7:00 PM onwards on Zoom
Pre-registration is required to secure your spot.
Submit your paper
Abstract submission opened on 31 July 2026. The submission deadline has been extended to 25 September 2026.
Download the Abstract Guidelines, Abstract Templates (with and without authors), Author Declaration Form, and CMT Guidelines before you begin. Papers are submitted and managed through Microsoft CMT.
Acknowledgment: The Microsoft CMT service was used for managing the peer-reviewing process for this Symposium. This service was provided for free by Microsoft and they bore all expenses, including costs for Azure cloud services as well as for software development and support.
Organized by the Faculty of Natural Sciences
Undergraduate Research Symposium
The Open University of Sri Lanka, Nawala, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka
Quick links
Contact
ursfns@ousl.lk
Nawala, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka
© 2026 URS FNS, Faculty of Natural Sciences, The Open University of Sri Lanka.