Three Minute Thesis (3MT)
Doctoral candidates inspire and entertain a packed auditorium, explaining their research to a general audience in less than three minutes each.
Faith Culas wins exciting 3MT Final
A nail-biting University of Auckland Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Final took place in front of a packed auditorium at City Campus on Friday 17 July.
Always a highlight on the doctoral calendar, this high-energy event delivered heaps of inspiration and entertainment, with 500 enthusiastic audience members cheering for the 13 finalists as they presented their research in less than three minutes each.
Congratulations to Faith Culas (Faculty of Engineering and Design), who took first place, Sachi Rathod (Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences), who was the runner-up, and Emma McGuigan (Faculty of Science), who won the People’s Choice Award.
Faith will be representing the University - and New Zealand - in international 3MT competitions later this year.
Our 2026 finalists were:
- ABI: Andreia Valente and Robin Milward Cooney
- Arts & Education: Helen Zipei Liu and Nicholas Ringwood
- Business & Economics: Vickie Mingxia Ma
- Engineering & Design: Faith Culas and Dan Bain
- FMHS: Nikki Singh and Sachi Rathod
- Liggins: Dalia Kadow
- Science: Emma McGuigan, Jozie Sharpe and Ross Millar
- Watches from Citizen
- Monetary prizes from Alumni Relations and Development
- E-vouchers from Auckland University Press
- Hiwa gym memberships from Sport and Recreation
- Clothing from Campus Store
What is 3MT?
The Three Minute Thesis (3MT) is an academic research communication competition developed by the University of Queensland. More than 900 universities in 85 countries take part in this exciting, fast-paced, annual event.
In a 3MT competition, doctoral candidates share the story of their research with a general audience in under three minutes, supported by only a single, static slide.
The University of Auckland 3MT competition is brought to you by the School of Graduate Studies (SGS). Faculty Heats take place in June each year, with the winners qualifying for the University of Auckland 3MT Final in July.
The winner of the University of Auckland 3MT Final goes on to represent the University internationally in the Asia-Pacific Virtual 3MT Competition and the U21 Virtual 3MT Competition.
Resources
Online guidance
- University of Queensland's top tips: 3MT competitor guide
- Deakin University's short videos: Mastering 3MT
- Deakin University's top tips: 3MT: Tips for presenting and public speaking
- Academic Positions: How to write a PhD elevator pitch
- ThinkWrite: Tips for effective design and use of the 3-minute thesis slide