3 Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition

What is a 3 Minute Thesis (3MT)?

Started by the University of Queensland, the Three Minute Thesis competition (3MT®) is an international competition for higher degree research candidates to showcase their work in an intelligent, accessible and engaging manner – using everyday language.

Students in the final stages of their PhD introduce their research and share the value created in just under three minutes, with just one PowerPoint slide. Here, there is no room for long academic explanations. The focus is on convincing a non-specialist audience why their work matters to the world, in as little time as possible.

The winner of the university’s internal competition then competes in the Asia Pacific final, which is open to Universities in Australia, New Zealand, South-East and North-East Asia and is held at the University of Queensland each year.

2024 3MT finalists

2024 saw four Higher Degree by Research students step up to the 3MT challenge. Gregorius Asa, Caitlan Mclean, Gideon Dzando, and Tracelee Shew all competed on 16 August 2024 for their spot in the finals. Gregorius came out victorious, with Caitlan taking out the Peoples Choice Award. Congratulations to all, there is considerable effort condensing years of research into 3 minutes. Gideon and Tracelee are also highly commended for their efforts.

Gregorius Asa - Doctor of Philosophy candidate

Presentation: Traditional male circumcision, HIV risk transmission and its impacts on men and their families in Indonesia

Medical male circumcision has been recommended as a strategy for reducing HIV transmission. However, there is limited evidence on how traditional male circumcision (TMC) including risky sexual behaviours following the cultural practice may lead to HIV transmission. TMC practice was shrouded in secrecy and exclusivity leading to health risks and challenge for health intervention. The thesis aims: (i) to determine general knowledge about TMC and HIV/STIs transmission risk through TMC, (ii) to understand the perception of men who underwent TMC, local leaders, and traditional circumcisers, (iii) to understand the perception of the wives or partners and parents of men who underwent TMC, and (iv) to explore the perceptions of healthcare providers.

Supervisors: Professor Paul Russell Ward, Dr. Nelsensius Klau Fauk & Dr. Hailay Abrha Gesesew

Caitlan Mclean: Doctor of Philosophy candidate

Presentation: TikTok in time and space - illuminating parenting practices in virtual and physical worlds

Oral health issues, including dental caries, remain one of the most prevalent childhood diseases globally. Caitlan’s PhD research investigates the impact of naturally living parenting practices on the oral health of preschool children (aged 0-5). By utilising social practice theory, Caitlan shifts the focus from individual behaviours to the broader context of social practices. Using diverse methods illuminates the ways social practices and their elements contribute to children’s oral health. From investigating TikTok to fridge contents whilst working with parents who value the “natural”, a flexible and comprehensive methodology will novel, actionable insights to enhance children's oral health outcomes.

Supervisors: Professor Paul Russell Ward, Professor Linda Slack-Smith

Gideon Dzando: Doctor of Philosophy candidate

Presentation: Prevalence, perceptions and experiences of ageing and frailty among older migrants from Sub-Saharan Africa to Australia

Frailty is increasingly becoming a public health concern among older people. The aim of this study is to explore the prevalence, perceptions and experiences of frailty among older migrants (50+ years) from Sub-Saharan Africa to Australia. This study is a sequential mixed method approach. Survey questionnaire will be used to collect health related information from older migrants. A semi-structured  interview guide will be used to collect information on the perceptions and experiences of older migrants about ageing and frailty. The findings will help to develop interventions that address the specific needs of older migrants from Sub-Saharan Africa.

Supervisors: Associate Professor Rachel Ambagtsheer, Professor Paul Russell Ward, & Associate Professor Lillian Mwanri

Tracelee Shew: Doctor of Philosophy candidate

Presentation: Anxiety and herbal medicine: perceptions of efficacy by naturopathic student practitioners and their patients.

This study explores perceptions of herbal medicine's efficacy in treating anxiety among Australian university Naturopathic and Western herbal medicine student practitioners and their patients. The research is significant as it can contribute to evidence on the self-reported efficacy of herbal medicine for mental health. The findings can inform curriculum development for future student-led clinical programs. As the first study of its kind within an Australian university student-led clinic, it fills a critical gap in understanding herbal medicine treatments and can inform future educational and clinical practices.

Supervisors: Associate Professor Greg Connolly, Professor Craig McLachlan

We wish Gregorius the best of luck as he next heads to the Virtual Asia-Pacific 3MT Semi-Final Showcase held 30 October 2024. Follow our Torrens University LinkedIn page for updates.

2023 3MT Winner - Kirsten Foley: PhD Candidate

Kirsten Foley was our 2023 3MT winner with her presentation titled: What Women Want? Understanding alcohol marketing and women’s histories in Australia.

Kirsten also holds a Postgraduate scholarship from the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (Allied Health)

2022 3MT Winner - Katharyn Cullen, PhD Candidate

Katharyn completed her Doctor of Philosophy with us in 2022. Her doctoral work is titled “Using Linguistic Lenses to improve classroom instruction: An instructional approach which promotes a deep understanding of words”. Katharyn’s 3MT presentation is titled “Linguistic Lenses - A toolbox for teachers and school leaders”.

Special acknowledgement to Damien Mills, Tim Trevail and Roberto Aparicio, who were highly commended for their entries.

Why participate in the 3MT competition?

This thesis competition provides enormous value to HDR candidates in helping them to develop their presentation and communication skills, crucial for a successful career post PhD. Find out more about our Higher Degrees by Research programs.