About the Faculty
Professor Goonetilleke is a globally recognised expert in urban water management, environmental engineering, sustainable infrastructure, and water-sensitive cities. Currently based at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Australia as a Professor, he has built an outstanding international research career with more than 350 publications, including journal papers, books, book chapters, technical reports, and invited keynote contributions.
His work has been widely influential, with over 19,000 citations and an h-index exceeding 70, reflecting his long-standing impact on water quality science, stormwater pollution, climate-resilient infrastructure, and sustainable development. Professor Goonetilleke has led major interdisciplinary research programmes across Australia, Asia, Africa, and Latin America, collaborating extensively with governments, utilities, industry partners, NGOs, and multilateral organisations. His pioneering research on water quality modelling, risk-based decision support, urban runoff characterisation, and integrated environmental management has shaped policy and practice in several countries. He has held leadership roles such as Director of Infrastructure Research, Chair in Airport Innovation, and sustainability advisor to the Brisbane Airport Corporation, in addition to serving as an Adjunct/Visiting Professor at universities in Canada, Brazil, and the Philippines.
He has supervised numerous PhD and postgraduate researchers, contributed to major international capacity-building initiatives, and is well known for bridging engineering science with practical, scalable solutions for urban water and environmental challenges. His association with BITS Pilani will significantly strengthen our department’s global research network, enhance interdisciplinary research in water, environment, climate, and infrastructure, and provide invaluable mentorship and collaboration opportunities for faculty and students. We warmly welcome Professor Goonetilleke and look forward to a highly productive partnership that will contribute meaningfully to the institute’s academic and research ecosystem.
