Could you present your research in 3 minutes?

What is 3MT? 

3-Minute Thesis (3MT) is an exciting opportunity for research students studying a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or Professional Doctorate (Research) to showcase their work and develop their communication and presentation skills. While an 80,000-word thesis would take 9 hours to present, the 3MT challenge is to present your research in 3 minutes. 

The international academic competition developed by the University of Queensland and run by UTS Library in collaboration with the UTS Graduate Research School, is designed to cultivate students’ academic, presentation and research communication skills. 

Winners of the faculty heats, alongside the Wildcard Competition winner, will battle it out in the 3MT Finals to decide which researcher will represent UTS at the 2025 Asia-Pacific 3MT Competition, competing against winners from other universities. 

A framework for sustainable fisheries 

The 3MT Wildcard Competition brought people’s choice winners from each faculty round to compete for a place in the UTS 3MT Finals.  

The panel of judges comprised Deputy Dean of the Graduate Research School, A/Prof Sarah Kinkel Miller, Executive Manager Business Research Engagement, Dr Andrew Smith and Director of Scholarly Services at UTS Library, Clare McKenzie.  

The Competition winner, Eric Duku from the Faculty of Design and Society, spoke about how his research seeks to solve the crisis in small-scale fisheries in Ghana.  

“30 years ago, my father would return home with a net full of fish. Today, I would spend twice as long out at sea and return with a net full of plastic,” Eric said. 

Eric explained how fish catches have dropped by 50% in just 26 years, with his country, Ghana, on the verge of losing 60% of its protein intake from fisheries.  

“My research focuses on improving the governance and sustainability of small-scale fisheries by unveiling gaps and creating opportunities, bringing in the rising interactive governance,” Eric said. 

Eric spoke about how his research explores how the socioeconomic needs of small-scale fisheries have not been incorporated into governance structures. He also noted how the lack of grassroots participation and low livelihood protection has weakened engagement, as fishermen feel excluded from decisions.  

My research focuses on improving the governance and sustainability of small-scale fisheries by unveiling gaps and creating opportunities, bringing in the rising interactive governance.

His solution has been to develop a framework that will make sure the next generation of fish workers in Ghana and across the global blue economy come home with a net full of fish again. 

“My research has uncovered that when communities collaborate, magic happens,” he said. “In those communities, when fish workers, government officials and civil society join hands, the fish population begins to recover.” 

Eric concluded his presentation by pointing out that as a result of his framework, “families have hope again and comply with fishing rules because they feel part of the system.” 

In reflecting on the presentations, Sarah said, “Today we have seen the depth and excellence of the research you all are conducting as PhD candidates. Every one of these is a game-changing project, and I always come out of this competition having learned so much.” 

In announcing Eric as the winner, Sarah shared the thought process behind the judge’s decision. 

“We were really impressed with how well you walked us through the research, from the question to the methodology and then to the outcomes,” she said. 

“It was really compelling, and you helped the audience understand the scope of what you were doing and why it matters.” 

Reflecting on his experience competing in the competition, Eric said it was a challenging yet rewarding experience.  

“I was cajoled into action and answered the call of my challenging mind, condensing almost two years' worth of study into three minutes to highlight the core of my PhD research and the results I have obtained so far,” he said. 

My research has uncovered that when communities collaborate, magic happens.

“It was so wonderful to hear the range of amazing projects that other PhD students are undertaking. Overall, a key takeaway I gained was the power of storytelling in research.’' 

Attend the UTS 3MT finals 

Attend the UTS 3MT finals to celebrate the exciting research conducted by our finalists and to find out who will represent UTS at the 2025 Asia-Pacific 3MT Competition.  

The first prize winner will be awarded $3,000, with runner-up and people’s choice winners receiving $1000 each. Audience members will have the opportunity to cast your vote in the people’s choice category by joining in person or online. 

When: 4 – 6pm, Wednesday 3 September 2025 

Where: Great Hall, UTS Building 1 Level 5  

Register now