Wamkelekile, Welkom
Students present their research in an ‘elevator pitch’ competition
24 October 2024 | Story Jess Oosthuizen. Photo Pexels.
Completing a postgraduate degree is not a straightforward task. Getting lost along the way is not only easy – it’s almost expected. Participating in the University of Cape Town’s (UCT) annual Three Minute Thesis Competition (3MT), where postgraduates present their current research, is an opportunity for them to reignite their passion for their work while also motivating them to keep going.
A concept practised globally, the 3MT competition is an international organisation that challenges students to consolidate their ideas and research findings, to present them concisely to a non-specialist audience in just three minutes.
To help competition entrants develop the skills to present their work in a succint way where understanding is maintained and meaning isn’t lost, the UCT Office for Postgraduate Studies (OPGS) holds annual voluntary preparatory online workshops.
3MT is held annually in more than 200 universities worldwide. Forty students presented at this year’s competition hosted by the OPGS last month. We asked the winners from this year’s UCT competition to share their experience and what it meant to them.
Winner, Patty Ongaro Hamann | Graduate School of Business
[Category: PhD Social Sciences and Humanities]
Research topic: “How leaders within social change organisations practice reflexivity in body-inclusive ways and realise reflexivity’s emancipatory aim.”
“It was a joy and a privilege to participate in the UCT 3MT competition this year. The process of distilling many years’ worth of complex enquiry into a simple three-minute message was extremely valuable and rewarding. I am delighted and honoured to be in the national round.”
Runner-up, Fanidh Sanogo | Anthropology
[Category: PhD Social Sciences and Humanities]
Research topic: “Being a Girl in Ouagadougou.”
“The 3MT competition was an exciting challenge to take on. As an expansive thinker, this exercise was quite difficult but helpful in learning how to make short, concise and impactful statements about my work. I am grateful to the UCT 3MT team and my supportive peers. I recommend this challenge to all students, particularly the ones who think this competition isn't for them. Go for it.”
Winner, Mamosa Ngcala | Molecular and Cell Biology
[Category: PhD Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)]
Research topic: “Comparative analysis of desiccation responses in Xerophyta seedlings.”
“I remember checking my watch before it was my turn to present and realising my heart rate was double its normal rhythm. In that moment of nervous anticipation, I knew I was about to embark on a thrilling ride – one that would challenge me to distil my research into a compelling story for a diverse audience. An incredible experience.”
Runner-up, Dime Motlalepula Serumula | Civil Engineering
[Category: PhD STEM]
Research topic: “Understanding Long-Distance Travel Demand and Influencing Factors in the South African Rural Context – Assessing Hitchhiking, Paratransit and e-Hailing Services”
“The 3MT competition was an affirmation or rather a confidence booster that I can start, run and present (an academic) project. These include choosing a (practical) topic, identifying the gaps in literature/market, conceptualizing the project, and acquiring, analysing and presenting the evidence to a diverse audience.”
Winner, Derisa Govender | College of Accounting
[Category: Master’s Social Sciences and Humanities]
Research topic: “A penny for your thoughts?”: Exploring Influences on Young Accounting Professionals’ Financial Behaviour”
“In the 3MT Competition, you have three minutes to make an impression on an audience that may not be familiar with your subject area, so every word (and second) counts. This gave me the opportunity to think about my research from a fresh perspective.”
Runner-up, Ludwig May | Graduate School of Business
[Category: Master’s Social Sciences and Humanities]
Research topic: “First order temporary breakdowns: The causes and lived experiences”
“Participating in the UCT 3MT Competition was both a challenging and rewarding opportunity, as it pushed me to condense complex research on Thwarted Expectations into its essence. My goal was to give the audience a glimpse into the lived experiences of my study participants. To achieve runner-up against such sterling competitors is truly an honour.”
Winner, Unathi Dladla | Molecular and Cellular Biology
[Category: Master’s STEM]
Research topic: “Investigating the physiological and metabolomic effects of foliar application of Ecklonia maxima-derived biostimulant on tomatoes in ameliorating the effects of heat stress.”
“Winning the 3MT competition was quite something. Participating was a great opportunity for me to gain the confidence which I have been lacking in my presentations. I witnessed the ability I had to convey the key take home message of my research to the public.”
Runner-up, Rabia Jacobs | Geological Science
[Category: Master’s STEM]
Research topic: “Unravelling the geochemistry of ancient termite nests in Calitzdorp, Western Cape.”
“Condensing my research on fossil termite nests into three minutes was a fun challenge. I loved sharing my passion with a new audience and showcasing how geology brings hidden stories to life. It was special having my family and friends witness my presentation and my making them proud.”
Upcoming 3MT event: Winners in the PhD category will participate in the hybrid National 3MT Competition, hosted by the University of the Free State, on Friday the 25th of October 2024. Watch UCT’s PhD winners battle it out for prize money here.
Don’t miss out on this unique celebration of scholarship and creativity—come cheer on our talented presenters.
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