My Thesis in 3 Minutes?

University of Adelaide PhD students will have just three minutes to present a talk about their research in a bid to win over a panel of judges and audience in Scott Theatre on Open Day.

The 10 students are finalists in the University's Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition and will have the tough job of explaining their research against a strict three-minute timer before facing questions from the judges.

As part of the exercise, the students will have to communicate the real impact of their research and what it means to people's lives.

The Adelaide finals are part of the national 3MT competition, which aims to develop science communication skills in students. The winner of the Adelaide finals will receive a $2000 travel grant and will represent the University of Adelaide in the Australia and New Zealand 3MT finals in Western Australia next month.

At the Adelaide finals, Amy Ryan from the University's Faculty of Health Sciences will present her project on how dietary protein works to reduce appetite.

"The hardest part about getting my thesis down to three minutes was deciding what would be most essential for the audience to know," Amy said. "Speaking to a specialist audience, it's much easier to go into detail about many aspects of your research; the 3MT really makes you think about what the crux of your research is, and how you can best convey it in the most concise manner."

Five judges will make their selection for the best research communicator and the audience will be able to choose their favourite via free mobile phone voting.

The MC on the day will be well-known science communicator, President of the Australian Science Communicators SA and Patron of National Science Week SA Professor Rob Morrison.
"The students do a great job of distilling complicated research into short, snappy presentations that give us a real insight into what they are doing and why it's important," said Professor Morrison.

"We'll have a snapshot of the latest University research, witty judges and an opportunity for members of the audience to show off their own scientific knowledge and communication skills - I encourage everyone to come along and join the fun."

More than 130 postgraduate research students entered the competition. The 10 finalists defeated their fellow students in faculty heats over the past few weeks.

The 3MT final will be held at 2.45pm on Sunday 21 August in Scott Theatre as part of Open Day on the University's North Terrace Campus. It's free and everyone is welcome.

Story by Robyn Mills

For more information about any of the events and activities on Open Day Sunday 21 August, go to: adelaide.edu.au/openday