Dr. Ruvishika Jayawardena: Lectuere at Mae Fah Luang University, Thailand
Dr. Ruvishika S. Jayawardena is an internationally recognized researcher and lecturer specializing in fungal biodiversity, plant pathology, and fungal taxonomy. Currently serving as a lecturer at Mae Fah Luang University in Chiang Rai, Thailand, and the head of academic affairs at the Center of Excellence in Fungal Research, Dr. Jayawardena has dedicated her career to studying fungal pathogens and their role in agriculture. With an impressive track record of over 200 SCI-indexed publications and 11,994 citations, she is a leading expert on Colletotrichum, a genus responsible for widespread plant diseases, particularly in tropical crops. Dr. Jayawardena has also mentored 28 graduate students and continues to contribute significantly to global research on fungal diversity, mycology, and sustainable biocontrol strategies.
Online Profiles
Ruvishika Shehali Jayawardena is an academic researcher affiliated with Mae Fah Luang University in Chiang Rai, Thailand. With an impressive h-index of 60 and over 16,929 citations from 6,931 documents, she has made significant contributions to her field. Her research output includes 234 documents, and her work is recognized and indexed on prominent platforms like Scopus and ORCID. As of now, she holds a strong academic presence, impacting the scholarly community with her expertise.
Education
Dr. Jayawardena holds a Ph.D. in Biosciences from Mae Fah Luang University, Thailand, where her dissertation focused on the taxonomy and phylogeny of microfungi, specifically examining Vitis species and their associated fungal pathogens. During her time as a doctoral student, she was mentored by the esteemed Prof. Dr. Kevin David Hyde, whose guidance shaped her deep interest in fungal systematics and plant-pathogen interactions. Prior to her Ph.D., Dr. Jayawardena completed a B.Sc. (Special Degree) in Biodiversity and Conservation at Rajarata University of Sri Lanka. Her undergraduate research on fish diversity in Sri Lanka’s Dumbara Massif and the role of women in conservation initiatives further established her interdisciplinary approach to biological sciences.
Research Focus
Dr. Jayawardena’s research spans several key areas of fungal biology, with particular emphasis on fungal taxonomy, phylogeny, and their role in plant disease. A significant portion of her work focuses on Colletotrichum, a genus that causes anthracnose in a variety of economically important crops, including grapes, bananas, and tropical fruits. Her research also explores the ecological interactions between fungal pathogens and their hosts, as well as biocontrol measures to mitigate the impact of fungal diseases. In addition, Dr. Jayawardena is investigating the fungal contamination of edible mushrooms in Thailand, a growing concern for the local agricultural industry. Her ongoing studies in fungal biodiversity aim to identify novel species and understand the molecular mechanisms driving fungal pathogenicity and host interactions.
Experience
Dr. Jayawardena began her professional career as a researcher at the Center of Excellence in Fungal Research at Mae Fah Luang University in 2018. Since then, she has become an integral part of the university’s research and academic staff. In addition to her research duties, she has taught numerous undergraduate and graduate courses in biosciences and biotechnology. Her courses cover topics such as microbial physiology, ethics in biotechnology, fungal biotechnology, and scientific writing. Dr. Jayawardena’s passion for education is evident in her mentorship of graduate students and her leadership in academic affairs. She also holds editorial positions for multiple journals, including Mycosphere, Plant Pathology- Studies in Fungi, and Fungal Diversity, where she plays an active role in advancing fungal research worldwide.
Research Timeline & Activities
Dr. Jayawardena’s research trajectory has evolved from initial studies on fish biodiversity in Sri Lanka to focusing on fungal diversity and plant-pathogen interactions in Thailand.
2013-2014: Attended and presented at several international mycological conferences, including the 13th Asian Mycological Congress in Beijing, China, where she presented on the genetic diversity of Colletotrichum species responsible for grapevine diseases.
2016-2017: Led groundbreaking research on fungal diseases affecting grapevines in China, contributing significantly to the understanding of Colletotrichum pathosystems.
2018-Present: Focus shifted to Thailand’s agricultural systems, where Dr. Jayawardena has led research on fungal diseases in tropical fruit crops, mushrooms, and biocontrol solutions.
Ongoing: Research continues on Colletotrichum species, their molecular taxonomy, and biocontrol methods for fungal pathogens in Thai agricultural systems.
Awards & Honors
Dr. Jayawardena’s academic and research excellence has been recognized globally. She has been named a Highly Cited Researcher by Clarivate Analytics in multiple years (2018–2023) and consistently ranks among the top 2% of global scientists according to Stanford University (2021–2025). In 2021, she was honored with the Best Researcher Award from Mae Fah Luang University for her outstanding contributions to fungal research. Other accolades include the MFU Innoprize for Highranking Publication of the Year (2023) and recognition by ScholarGPS as a Top Scholar in her field (0.5%). These awards underscore her commitment to advancing fungal research and its practical applications in agriculture.
Recent Publication
One of Dr. Jayawardena’s top publications is titled “Diverse Colletotrichum species causing grape ripe rot disease,” published in Fungal Diversity. This paper was a landmark in understanding the species diversity within the Colletotrichum genus and its implications for grapevine disease management. The research provided critical insights into the molecular phylogenetics of Colletotrichum species, helping to improve diagnostic tools and treatment options for grapevine diseases globally. This publication has been widely cited and has had a significant impact on plant pathology, particularly in viticulture.
A new Myxospora (Hypocreales, Sordariomycetes) species from the Tibetan Plateau, China
Published in New Zealand Journal of Botany in 2025. This article focuses on the discovery of a new Myxospora species found in the Tibetan Plateau region of China.Systematics and physiology of Cladophialophora matsushimae (Chaetothyriales) associated with ant carton and five new combinations in Cladophialophora and Epibryon
Published in New Zealand Journal of Botany in 2025. The paper delves into the systematics and physiological characteristics of a fungal species associated with ant cartons, alongside five new combinations in related fungal genera.Four saprobic species associated with Mahonia in Guizhou Province, China
Published in Mycological Progress in 2025. This article describes four new saprobic fungal species discovered in association with the Mahonia plant in Guizhou Province, China.Three new records of Didymosphaeriaceae from Southwest China
Published in Phytotaxa in 2025. This article discusses three new records of the fungal family Didymosphaeriaceae found in Southwest China.Pseudodactylaria yunnanensis sp. nov. (Pseudodactylariaceae) from China
Published in Phytotaxa in 2025. The study introduces Pseudodactylaria yunnanensis, a novel species from the Pseudodactylariaceae family discovered in China.Mango Microcosm: Unveiling the species diversity and pathogenic potential of fungi isolated from mango (Mangifera indica) in northern Thailand
Published in Fungal Biology in 2025. This research investigates the fungal species diversity associated with mangoes in northern Thailand and assesses their potential pathogenicity.An Online Database on Fungicolous Fungi: https://www.fungicolousfungi.org
Published in Chiang Mai Journal of Science in 2025. The article presents an online database dedicated to fungicolous fungi, which are fungi that live on other fungi.Fungal diversity notes 1919–2016: taxonomic and phylogenetic contributions to fungal taxa
Published in Fungal Diversity in 2025. This paper provides an overview of significant taxonomic and phylogenetic contributions to fungal taxa over nearly a century.Additions to fungicolous Hypomyces from northern Thailand: A novel species, combinations, and new records
Published in Fungal Biology in 2025. This research introduces new species and records of fungicolous Hypomyces from northern Thailand.Morpho-Molecular Characterization of Hypocrealean Fungi Isolated from Rice in Northern Thailand
Published in Journal of Fungi in 2025. This article provides a detailed morpohological and molecular characterization of Hypocrealean fungi found in rice from northern Thailand.
Strength for the Best Researcher Award
1. Groundbreaking Research on Colletotrichum Pathosystems
Dr. Jayawardena’s extensive work on the Colletotrichum genus, particularly with tropical crops, has been pivotal. Her research into the species diversity and molecular phylogenetics of Colletotrichum has had a direct impact on understanding grapevine diseases and other tropical crop infections. Her ability to delve into molecular taxonomy and phylogeny not only advances the understanding of fungal pathogens but also contributes to global agricultural disease management.
2. Mentorship and Capacity Building
Dr. Jayawardena’s mentorship of 28 graduate students is another standout strength. Her dedication to teaching, combined with her leadership in academic affairs, highlights her contribution to building the next generation of mycologists and plant pathologists. Her ability to guide students through complex research areas and foster interdisciplinary approaches ensures her long-lasting influence in the academic community.
3. Innovative Biocontrol Solutions
Her work on biocontrol strategies to mitigate fungal diseases shows a practical approach to solving real-world agricultural problems. As global agriculture faces increased fungal threats, Dr. Jayawardena’s research into sustainable control methods plays a crucial role in ensuring crop health without relying on harmful chemicals. This emphasis on sustainability in agriculture makes her work highly relevant to current global challenges.
4. Ecological and Molecular Insights into Fungal Pathogenicity
Dr. Jayawardena’s ability to integrate both ecological and molecular perspectives into her research has allowed her to uncover deeper insights into how fungal pathogens interact with their hosts. Understanding these complex relationships can lead to more targeted and effective disease management strategies. Her recent work on fungal contamination in edible mushrooms in Thailand also speaks to the broader ecological concerns tied to food safety and agriculture.
5. High Citation Impact and Scholarly Recognition
With over 16,929 citations and a high h-index, Dr. Jayawardena’s publications have had a global influence, further solidifying her as a leading expert in her field. Her recognition by platforms like Clarivate Analytics and Stanford University speaks to her academic stature and the broad impact of her research. Her ongoing contributions to journals like Fungal Diversity, Mycosphere, and Fungal Biology show her commitment to advancing the field and disseminating knowledge to the broader scientific community.