3MT®
An 80,000 word PhD thesis would take 9 hours to present: their time limit is 3 minutes! 3MT® was first developed by the University of Queensland, and is now a global initiative with around 80 UK universities taking part in the Vitae 3MT® national competition each year.
Participation in the competition helps PhD researchers to build their confidence and hone their presentation and communication skills.
It is also a great way for others to find out about the exciting and varied research going on across the University at doctoral level.
3MT® at Ulster University
Hosted annually by the Doctoral College, the 3MT® challenges PhD researchers to communicate their research and its impact in just three minutes, using non-specialist language.
This year’s final, now in its eighth year, brought together eight exceptional candidates, each demonstrating not only the depth of their research but also the clarity and confidence to communicate complex ideas to a broad audience. The competition highlights the diverse, impactful work taking place across our PhD community.
3MT® Final 2025
The winner: Caitlín Campbell
Caitlín Campbell, PhD researcher from the Centre for Optometry and Vision and School of Biomedical Sciences won the Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) 2025 competition at Ulster.
Caitlín’s winning presentation focused on the world’s leading cause of permanent blindness—glaucoma—and its under-diagnosis in people with myopia (short-sightedness). Her research explores a new vision test designed to detect glaucoma earlier and more accurately in this group, with the potential to transform diagnosis and save sight.
The runners-up
We are also proud to recognise our joint runners-up for their excellent presentations and compelling research:
Niamh Magee (NICHE, School of Biomedical Sciences) is working to improve the diet-related quality of life for people living with a stoma. Her research is helping to develop clear, evidence-based dietary advice aimed at reducing malnutrition, dehydration and hospital readmissions—issues that significantly affect this patient group.
Berienis Muki (NICHE, School of Biomedical Sciences) is addressing the challenge of low fish consumption in children by using creative, interactive workshops in schools. Her work draws on insights from children, parents and educators to promote healthier eating habits and improve long-term nutrition.
We are proud to celebrate all the finalists
- Caitlín Campbell, PhD researcher from the Centre for Optometry and Vision and (School of Biomedical Sciences) focussing on the world’s leading cause of permanent blindness—glaucoma—and its under-diagnosis in people with myopia (short-sightedness).
- Sabrina Demirdjian (School of Biomedical Sciences)
Investigating the impact of obesity on iron levels during pregnancy to support better maternal and infant health outcomes.
- Nevena Klobučar (School of Communication and Media)
Exploring how children learn to use pronouns across languages, offering insights into language development and education.
- Rabinder Kumar (School of Architecture and Built Environment)
Examining how buildings respond to ‘travelling fires’ to improve fire safety design standards.
- Niamh Magee (School of Biomedical Sciences)
Supporting people living with a stoma by developing evidence-based dietary advice to reduce malnutrition and hospital readmissions.
- Berienis Muki (School of Biomedical Sciences)
Tackling low fish consumption in children through interactive educational workshops focused on nutrition and food skills.
- Lauren Mullan (School of Nursing and Health)
Raising awareness of head and neck lymphoedema after cancer treatment and promoting effective self-management strategies.
- Samantha Royston-Woods (School of Psychology)
Investigating how children in Northern Ireland understand their wellbeing to better inform school-based policies and interventions.
Previous Winners
About the Competition
At every level of the competition each competitor will be assessed on the judging criteria listed below. Each criterion is equally weighted and has an emphasis on audience.
Comprehension and content
- Presentation provided clear motivation, background and significance to the research question.
- Presentation clearly described the research strategy/design and the results/findings of the research.
- Presentation clearly described the conclusions, outcomes and impact of the research.
Engagement and communication
- The oration was delivered clearly, and the language was appropriate for a non-specialist audience.
- The PowerPoint slide was well-defined and enhanced the presentation.
- The presenter conveyed enthusiasm for their research and captured and maintained the audience’s attention.
Rules and Criteria
Eligibility
Active PhD and Professional Doctorate (Research) candidates who have successfully passed their Confirmation of Registration assessment, i,e. at the end of first year (or part time equivalent) (including candidates whose thesis is under submission) by the date of their first presentation are eligible to participate in the 3MT® competition.
If you are competing, or thinking of competing this year, please check out the full competition details, including rules and judging criteria.
Competition Rules
- A single static PowerPoint slide is permitted. No slide transitions, animations or 'movement' of any description are allowed. The slide is to be presented from the beginning of the oration.
- No additional electronic media (e.g. sound and video files) are permitted.
- No additional props (e.g. costumes, musical instruments, laboratory equipment) are permitted.
- Presentations are limited to 3 minutes maximum and competitors exceeding 3 minutes are disqualified.
- Presentations are to be spoken word (e.g. no poems, raps or songs).
- Presentations are to commence from the stage.
- Presentations are considered to have commenced when a presenter starts their presentation through either movement or speech.
- The decision of the adjudicating panel is final.
Why do the 3MT®?
Contact
For further information and queries about the 3MT® competition please contact Lisa Thompson.
Lisa Thompson
Doctoral Development Manager
