Faculty hosts thrilling three minute thesis competition

This year's competition saw nine schools and institutes participating, with at least one finalist drawn from each. The event adhered to strict rules set by University of Queensland  (UQ) who developed the 3MT, including the three-minute time limit, spoken word format (no rapping!), and prohibition of electronic media.

The judging panel included: Dr Ranjana Srivastava OAM, an oncologist and columnist for The Guardian, Professor Lauren Ayton AM, MDHS Associate Dean (Innovation and Enterprise), and Jesse Marble, President of Karori Capital. They evaluated presentations based on criteria including Comprehension & Content and Engagement & Communication and assessed the clarity of research motivation, strategy, and outcomes, as well as the presenters' ability to engage a non-specialist audience.

Pamudika Kiriden from the Florey Department of Neuroscience and
Mental Health presents to the crowd.

After careful deliberation, the winners were announced:

• Winner and People's Choice: Salma Naleem, School of Biomedical Sciences (Microbiology and Immunology)
• Second Place: Pamudika Kiridena, Florey Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health
• Third Place: Jason Ha, School of Biomedical Sciences (Anatomy and Physiology)

Salma Naleem's presentation not only impressed the judges but also resonated strongly with the audience, earning her both the top prize and the People's Choice award.

Event MC, Professor Justine Mintern, MDHS Associate Dean (Graduate Research), commented: "The 3MT competition exemplifies the exceptional research talent within our Faculty. It's truly inspiring to witness our PhD candidates communicate their complex work with such clarity and enthusiasm, honing crucial skills in public engagement and science communication. It’s a fun way to celebrate the enormous amount of work that goes into a PhD while giving our graduate researchers and their friends and families the opportunity to hear about the breadth of research that takes place in our faculty and with our partner institutes."

Judges Dr Ranjana Srivastava OAM, Jesse Marble and Professor Lauren Ayton AM deliberate
at the end of another presentation.

The winners received cash prizes and the opportunity to represent the Faculty in the University-wide final. This competition continues to be a valuable platform forgraduate researchers to refine their communication skills and share their research with a broader audience.

All MDHS finalists