3MT Comp showcases cutting-edge research in the School

Thrilling three minute thesis competitions with with two winners named from the School of Biomedical Sciences in both Faculty and University finals.

Image: MDHS & UniMelb 3MT Finals winner Salma Naleem

From unravelling the mysteries of the human brain to battling microscopic foes, the breadth of graduate research from across the School, Faculty and University was on full display at this year's Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition finals.

PhD candidates took on the challenge of distilling years of complex research into bite-sized presentations,

This year's MDHS competition saw nine schools and institutes participating, with at least one finalist drawn from each.

Please join us in congratulating the winners from our School for their outstanding performances in the UniMelb Final:

UniMelb 3MT Competition

  • Winner: Salma Naleem, School of Biomedical Sciences (Microbiology and Immunology)
  • Runner Up: Jason Ha, School of Biomedical Sciences (Anatomy and Physiology)

Being part of the 3 Minute Thesis competition has been such an exhilarating journey. I’ve enjoyed discovering the breadth and quality of research across the university, and it was a privilege to share insights from my own PhD with an engaged audience. The process has given me a newfound respect for great science communicators—sometimes it feels harder to condense three years of research into three minutes than to defend my thesis before examiners! Most importantly, it has taught me the value of making science engaging and accessible, and strengthened my commitment to bridging the gap between the bench and the bedside as a clinician-scientist.

Image: UniMelb 3MT Runner Up Jason Ha

MDHS 3MT Competition

  • 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 in the MDHS Final.

Image: Professor Justine Mintern and 3MT winner Salma Naleem  at the MDHS final

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.

Event MC, Professor Justine Mintern, MDHS Associate Dean (Graduate Research)

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 for graduate researchers to refine their communication skills and share their research with a broader audience.

This article was originally published by MDHS on 15 August.