By Rotaract Club — Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo
On 13th November 2025, the Rotaract Club of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo organized DiscoverU — an innovative workshop and hackathon aimed at empowering medical undergraduates to explore the world of research with confidence and curiosity.
The event commenced at 5:00 PM in Mini Auditorium 1, where enthusiastic students gathered to delve into the essentials of research methodology, available academic resources, and practical guidance on how to get started in research.
Expert Insights from Dr. Sinha De Silva
The session was led by Dr. Sinha De Silva, Consultant Community Physician at the Ministry of Health, who offered invaluable insights into how research plays a pivotal role in medical practice and community health. Dr. De Silva underscored the importance of asking meaningful research questions and navigating available research tools with clarity. His guidance helped demystify the research process, making it accessible even to students with no prior experience.
Senior Voices and Lived Experiences
A panel of experienced seniors shared their research journeys, discussing both challenges and successes. Their interactive discussion highlighted personal experiences — from conceptualization to publication — and provided practical tips on time management, selecting topics, and collaborating with faculty. This segment not only inspired participants but also offered a real-world perspective that underscored the value of research in medical careers.
Hackathon: Learning by Doing
The highlight of the evening was the DiscoverU Hackathon — a competitive yet collaborative platform where students pitched research ideas, formed teams, and developed mini research proposals within a limited time frame. The energy in the room was palpable as participants engaged in brainstorming, critiquing, and refining their concepts.
Winners were awarded exciting gifts and prizes, celebrating creativity, feasibility, and innovation in research thinking. This hands-on experience gave students not only a taste of real research ideation but also strengthened teamwork and critical thinking skills.
Organizers & Leadership
This successful event was led by Project Chair Hima Kavindi and Co-Chair Tega Umashankar, Directors of Rotaract, with guidance from Prof. Yasaswi Walpita, Senior Professor of Community Medicine. Together, they ensured that the workshop was both informative and engaging, reflecting Rotaract’s commitment to professional development and academic excellence.
✨ DiscoverU was more than a workshop — it was a stepping stone for aspiring student researchers to build confidence, gain insights, and start meaningful work that could shape their medical careers.