Three Minute Thesis

The University of York Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition challenges PhD students to educate and engage the audience with their research in just three minutes.

Research students pitch their work against the clock, often to a nail biting finish! They are competing to communicate the impact of their research to an audience and judging panel. The top three receive prizes and coaching for the national 3MT semi-final.

3MT was developed by the University of Queensland to celebrate the best research. Find out the breadth of work being undertaken at York through clear, engaging and concise presentations.

3MT 2026

The live final of Three Minute Thesis 2026 took place on Friday 5 June 2026 as part of the York Festival of Ideas.

Congratulations to all of our finalists for taking part, and to our 2026 winners!

1st place: Gabriella Holland (Chemistry) - No Place Like Home: Improving Cell Models for Better Medicines
2nd place: Dean McGettigan (Chemistry) - MRI on Steroids: Optimising the Metals we Can't Live Without
3rd place: Prasad Sandbhor (Computer Science, iGGi) - Can we (Role)play our Way to Climate Action?
People's choice: Alex Roof (Biology) - Sorting the Mind's Mail: A Peek Inside the Neuron & Gabriella Holland

Meet our 2026 finalists

Watch again

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSEogSre2AE

3MT 2025

In 2025, our winner explored how our identity affects both our belief in misinformation and our likelihood to spread it.

3MT 2025 results

3MT 2024

Our 2024 winner discussed new methods to help us understand resistance to cancer treatment.

3MT results 2024

3MT 2023

Our 2023 winner explored the importance of listening to the language chosen by those experiencing depression.

3MT results 2023

3MT 2022

Our 2022 winner explored ways we can track cancer cell behaviour, and identify those that will resist chemotherapy.

3MT results 2022

3MT 2021

Our 2021 winner explained the science behind the smell of cells and diagnosing diseases through breath tests.

3MT results 2021

3MT 2020

Our 2020 winner's research explores low cost screening services to fight oral cancer.

3MT results 2020

3MT 2019

Our 2019 winners discussed harnessing the power of the sun and the psychology of choice.

3MT results 2019

3MT 2018

In 2018, our winner examined how women respond to beauty ideals.

3MT results 2018

3MT 2017

Our 2017 winner explained how election results are affected by days of the week.

3MT results 2017