Ruwini is a scholar of digital innovation in the Built Environment who undertakes pure and applied research to develop innovative solutions for the industry by integrating theory with cutting-edge technologies.

Her specific research projects address the emerging needs of the construction and facility management sectors to improve work health and safety, optimise asset performance, conduct life-cycle assessments for decarbonisation, and advance waste management and circularity through digital innovation. She is a senior member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).

Ruwini has demonstrated research leadership by securing a growing volume of grants and prestigious fellowships. So far, Ruwini has secured $ 4.9 million in research funding and has been awarded several research grants. She has a strong track record of leading collaborations with local and national research partners, industry, and the community to make an impact.

Ruwini has been a passionate and effective advocate for gender diversity in the engineering profession since 2012 through IEEE, the world's largest technical professional organisation and since 2014 through RMIT's Women Researchers' Network. Currently, she leads teams/committees to promote diversity beyond gender to make an impact across the whole 'education' and 'career pipeline'.

Awards and Distinctions:

• Research Excellence Award- Mid-Career (2025), College of Design and Social Context, RMIT University
• Outstanding WIE Leadership Award (2025) – IEEE Australia Council
• Best Research Paper Award (2025) – World Building Congress 2025, USA
• Best Scientific Paper Award (2025) at the 16th International Conference on Sustainable Built Environment 2025 & Next-Gen Innovation and Advancement
• Leadership Award - Outstanding Organisational Unit Award (2024), IEEE, The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
• Outstanding Volunteer Award (2023), IEEE, The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
• Vistas Award (2023), CIB, The International Council for Research and Innovation in Building and Construction
• RMIT Vice Chancellor’s Research Award: Malcolm Moore Industry Award (2015),
• RMIT Vice-Chancellor's Research Fellowship Award (2015-2021)
• RMIT University Early Career Researcher International Travel Award (2014)
• Endeavour Post-doctoral Research Fellowship Award (2011), Australian Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations
• Research Commercialisation Training Award (2008), Commonwealth Government, Australia