Congratulations to our 2025 3MT Winners!
What is the 3MT Competition?
The 3MT competition was developed by the University of Queensland, whose website provides the following history of the competition. The idea for the 3MT competition came about at a time when the state of Queensland was suffering severe drought. To conserve water, residents were encouraged to time their showers, and many people had a three minute egg timer fixed to the wall in their bathroom. The then Dean of the UQ Graduate School, Emeritus Professor Alan Lawson, put two and two together and the idea for the 3MT competition was born.
The first 3MT competition was held at UQ in 2008 with 160 Higher Degree by Research students competing. In 2009 and 2010 the 3MT competition was promoted to other Australian and New Zealand universities and enthusiasm for the concept grew. Due to its adoption in numerous universities, a multi-national event was developed, and the Inaugural Trans-Tasman 3MT competition was held at UQ in 2010. Since 2011, the popularity of the competition has increased and 3MT competitions are now held in over 600 universities and institutions across 65 countries worldwide.
The 2025 3MT Competition
Can you explain your research in just three minutes—with only one PowerPoint slide—in a way anyone can understand what your work is about? That’s the challenge of this high-energy competition, where graduate students bring their master’s thesis or doctoral dissertation to life for a non-specialist audience.
It’s all about clarity, creativity, and impact. From the qualifying rounds, around ten standout presenters will advance to the finals, where they’ll deliver their talks live in front of a panel of judges and our community audience.
The stakes? Glory—and cash. First place wins $1,000, second place takes home $500, and the crowd-favorite earns the $250 People’s Choice award. Ready to make your research unforgettable?
why participate?
Fame and fortune
With prizes of $1000 for the winner, $500 for second, and $250 for the People’s Choice, the question is, why not participate? Moreover, the winner advances to a regional competition and a chance to compete on a larger stage.
Skills development for research candidates
Preparing and delivering a 3MT talk develops academic, presentation, and research communication skills, while emphasizing students’ ability to explain their research effectively in language appropriate to a non-specialist audience.
Building research culture throughout the campus
3MT provides a valuable opportunity for students to come together across disciplinary boundaries, get to know one another, and talk about their research in a supportive and fun environment.
Building external relations for the university
3MT is an excellent networking opportunity. Previous 3MT finalists have made connections that continue beyond the competition.
The 2025 3mt competition Winners
FIRST PLACE
Praveen Pasupathi – Kinesiology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Eric Drollette
Neurocognitive effects of Mindfulness and Exercise on symptoms of Anxiety
What if just fifteen minutes of activity could help anxious children feel better and think more clearly? Anxiety affects their ability to learn, make decisions, and connect with others. While therapy and medication can help, they are not always accessible or suitable for every child. My research explores whether short sessions of mindfulness, high-intensity movement, or a combination can reduce anxiety and improve how children’s brains respond to challenges. Using surveys and brainwave recordings, I aim to find simple, effective ways to support mental health in kids, especially in schools and communities with limited access to care.
SECOND PLACE
Second Place
Victoria Fonville – Nutrition
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Maryanne Perrin
Lactation and Human Milk Donation During Perinatal Bereavement
After losing a child through stillbirth or neonatal death, many mothers will experience lactation. Currently, there is very little research on the lactation care and lactation options these mothers receive, but we do know that some of them will pump and donate their milk to a human milk bank. Research suggests that producing and donating milk after infant loss can be healing for mothers, but there is very little data that describes their pumping practices and donation patterns. To improve lactation after infant loss care, we need to know about the lactation experiences of the bereaved.
PEOPLE’S CHOICE
People’s Choice
Samuel Adegoke – Nanoscience
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Dennis LaJeunesse
Tiny Particles, Big Impact: Stopping Antibiotic Resistance Before It Starts
The overuse of antibiotics has led to the development of antibiotic resistance in certain bacteria, making infections more difficult to treat. Bacteria can pass these resistance traits to each other, spreading the problem further. We tested tiny particles called nanoparticles to see if they could block this gene sharing. Larger silica nanoparticles were most effective in preventing bacteria from acquiring resistance genes, with gold nanoparticles also showing promise. These findings suggest that nanoparticles could one day be used as a new tool to help slow down the spread of antibiotics.
