AUSTRALIA : Ajmal Abdul Azees, a Sri Lankan PhD student at RMIT University and the Bionics Institute in Australia, has been recognised as a finalist in the prestigious 2024 Victorian International Education Awards in the research category. This award recognises outstanding international students in Australia. This recognises his exceptional contributions to the field of biomedical engineering, particularly his groundbreaking work in developing the world’s first multi-channel hybrid cochlear implant, a pioneering device that holds the potential to revolutionise the treatment of hearing loss. His research aims to provide better outcomes for individuals with hearing impairments by combining electrical and optical stimulation to improve precision and performance —an innovation that could significantly improve the lives of millions of people with hearing impairments worldwide.
Ajmal’s work not only enhances Australia’s biomedical research landscape but also represents a vital link in the strong educational and scientific ties between Sri Lanka and Australia.
This prestigious recognition was also celebrated by the Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, H/E Paul Stephens, who publicly congratulated Ajmal.
“Well done to Sri Lankan PhD student Ajmal Abdul Azees, who was a finalist in the research category of the 2024 Victorian International Education Awards! His work on cochlear implants and hearing technology is another example of the positive impact of 🇦🇺-🇱🇰 educational ties.”
Throughout his academic career, Ajmal has been recognised with numerous international innovation awards, including the Prof. Field Rickards Award for Best Overall Student of the Year. He has presented his research at multiple top international conferences in the field and received research travel grants from prestigious organisations. Additionally, he was selected as a MedTech Actuator Menzies Scholar, an honour reserved for just 10 PhD students across Australia working on medical innovations. Ajmal completed his bachelor’s degree in electrical and information engineering at the University of Ruhuna, where he graduated with first-class honours and received multiple Dean’s Awards as well as the Vice-Chancellor’s List Award. Ajmal’s success story is a testament to the global potential of Sri Lankan talent, showcasing how young researchers from the island are making waves on the international stage.
Ajmal’s journey from the University of Ruhuna to international recognition in Australia is a shining example of Sri Lankan brilliance in the global arena, and his pioneering research promises to make a lasting impact on the future of hearing technology.Ajmal can be contacted on aazees@bionicsinstitute.org

October 11, 2024