Dr. Liwan Liyanage-Hansen

With nearly five decades in university-level teaching and research, Dr. Liwan Liyanage-Hansen is a distinguished expert in Mathematics, Statistics, Applied Probability, Data Science, and AI. Having worked across seven universities in four countries, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to mathematical sciences, curriculum innovation, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Her contributions span pioneering curriculum development, groundbreaking research in data-driven solutions for sustainability, international partnerships, university governance, and impactful community projects. Recognized globally for her leadership in integrating digital technology with climate action and sustainable development, she continues to shape academic excellence, industry collaboration, and policy innovation for global impact.

Academic Leadership and Curriculum Development
Since joining Western Sydney University (WSU), she has played a key role in curriculum development and academic leadership, designing and introducing several new subjects and programs, including B. Mathematics and Information Technology and B. Mathematics and Finance (both in 1999). She pioneered the introduction of Data Mining into Australian university curricula in 1998 and established the Mathematics Bridging Course (1990–2006), which later expanded into a university-wide initiative supporting students’ transition into higher education.

Through her pioneering research, academic leadership, and international collaborations, Dr Liwan Liyanage-Hansen continues to bridge the gap between mathematical theory, real-world applications, and global sustainability efforts.

Research and Global Impact
Liyanage-Hansen leads research on data-driven solutions for social good and sustainability, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As the founding leader of WSU’s Data-Driven and Accountable Solutions for Social Good and Sustainability Research Lab, she champions digital technology to address climate change and sustainable development. Her groundbreaking work on “Spatio-Temporal Data Integration and Data Pre-Processing for Imputing Data with Large Gaps” has transformed environmental sensor data analysis contributing to the advancement of smart monitoring systems.

My Research Interests: Data-Driven Solutions for a Sustainable Future

As a researcher deeply committed to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), my work focuses on developing accountable and adaptive solutions for real-time decision-making. By integrating sensor and digital technologies with health, agriculture, biodiversity, and demographic data, I aim to enable spatiotemporal data analysis for climate-resilient, precision-driven solutions.

At the core of my research are Spatio-Temporal Data Integration, Data Pre-Processing for Large Gap Imputation, and environmental sensor data analysis. Leveraging Mathematics, Statistics, Data Science, and AI, I explore how these fields can drive innovative solutions for climate change adaptation, sustainable agriculture, public health, and biodiversity conservation—ultimately promoting both public and planetary health.

Collaboration is key to tackling these global challenges. By working across disciplines, I apply data analytics, machine learning, and computational modeling to improve decision-making in precision agriculture, smart monitoring, and policy development. Through my role as the founding leader of WSU’s Data-Driven and Accountable Solutions for Social Good and Sustainability Research Lab, I continue to pioneer transformative methodologies that translate research into real-world impact.

My passion lies in using data science and AI not just as analytical tools, but as catalysts for positive change—ensuring that technology serves society in building a more sustainable, resilient future.

• 1995 – present Senior Lecturer, Mathematics and Statistics, School of Computer, Data and Mathematical Sciences, University of Western Sydney
• 2004 Visiting Professor, School of Business Administration, University of California, Berkeley
• 1989 – 1995 Lecturer in Mathematics and Statistics, Faculty of Informatics Science and Technology, University of Western Sydney, Macarthur
• 1990 Visiting Professor, School of Business Administration, University of California, Berkeley
• 1988 Lecturer, School of Economics and Financial Studies, Macquarie University
• 1985-1987 Assistant Professor, Department of Mathematics/Statistics, Faculty of Science

King Saud University, Riyadh

• 1985 Lecturer/Head Statistical Unit, Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science

University of Colombo

• 1983-1985   Lecturer, Department of Mathematics/Statistics, Faculty of Science, University of Colombo
• 1978-1983 Lecturer, Department of Mathematics/Statistics, Faculty of Science, University of Colombo – on Leave
• 1978-1983 Lecturer/Tutor (Part Time), PhD Candidate, Department of Mathematics

Faculty of Science, University of Wollongong

• 1976 – 1978 Lecturer, Department of Mathematics/Statistics, Faculty of Science, University of Colombo