Participants: Muzammil Khan, Thiago Bezerra Lima, Thathsarani Wickramaarachchi, Hiruni Jayasinghe and Constanza Mella Burdiles (not pictured)

It was a Friday afternoon filled with energy, anticipation, and the buzz of big ideas. On 22 August, the College of STEM hosted its highly anticipated Three Minute Thesis (3MT) heat, bringing together brilliant minds from the School of Information Technology, the School of Engineering and Energy and the School of Mathematics, Statistics, Physics and Chemistry.

The challenge? Present complex research in just three minutes—armed with only one PowerPoint slide and no props.

Five courageous Higher Degree by Research (HDR) candidates stepped up to the mic, each ready to distil months—sometimes years—of research into a compelling, bite-sized presentation. The room was filled with peers, mentors, and supporters, all eager to witness the power of concise storytelling and clear communication.

Originally developed by The University of Queensland, the 3MT competition is more than just a race against the clock. It’s a celebration of research and a showcase of innovation. For HDR candidates, it’s a chance to sharpen their public speaking skills, connect with a broader audience, and share the “why” behind their work.

As each participant took the stage, the audience was treated to a whirlwind of ideas—from cutting-edge technology to sustainable engineering solutions. The passion was palpable, the delivery sharp, and the impact undeniable.

The winners of this heat will now advance to the Murdoch University final, where they’ll compete for a spot in the prestigious Asia-Pacific Final. Alongside the honour of representing Murdoch, finalists will vie for exciting prizes, including research travel grants and laptops to support their academic journey.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who made the event possible—from the participants and judges to the organisers and enthusiastic audience. Your support turned a simple competition into a memorable celebration of curiosity, courage, and communication.

We’re proud of our HDR candidates who represented the College of STEM at the University’s Three Minute Thesis (3MT) final. Although none of our participants placed among the top three in this year’s University 3MT final, we are pleased to announce that Muzammil Khan received the notable People’s Choice Award for his impactful presentation, Green Steel: Turning Waste into Strength.

“I am truly honoured to receive the People’s Choice Award for my 3MT presentation, Green Steel: Turning Waste into Strength. It’s inspiring to see such strong support for research that contributes to building a more sustainable future. Thank you to everyone who voted. The Lenovo ThinkPad laptop will be a valuable companion as I continue exploring innovative solutions in engineering and energy.”
— Muzammil Khan, School of Engineering and Energy

Congratulations to all our finalists—we look forward to seeing where their research journeys lead next.