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28 October 2025 | Story Andile Mbowana | Photo Supplied
PhD candidates at the 2025 National 3MT Competition, hosted at the University of the Free State.

The University of the Free State Centre for Graduate Support (CGS) hosted the 2025 National Three-Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition on 24 October in the Albert Wessels Auditorium, bringing together some of South Africa’s brightest PhD minds under one roof. The annual event, which has become a highlight on the national academic calendar, challenges doctoral candidates from universities across the country to present their complex research in just three minutes, using language accessible to a non-specialist audience. 

This year’s competition drew impressive presentations from top scholars representing various disciplines – from health sciences and agriculture to humanities – all showcasing the depth and diversity of South Africa’s research landscape.

Delivering the keynote address, Prof Vasu Reddy, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Internationalisation at the UFS, reflected on The Essence of Postgraduate Studies and Success in South Africa. He emphasised that postgraduate research plays a critical role in shaping innovation and addressing the country’s most pressing challenges. “As postgraduates, you represent a powerful tool of transformation, equity, and innovation, and every thesis is a story of resilience and a long journey of research,” he said. Prof Reddy also talked about how “competitions like the 3MT not only celebrate research excellence but also teach scholars how to communicate their ideas to inspire real-world impact,” praising the competition for opening opportunities for postgraduate scholars. 

The University of the Free State was represented by two candidates, Rentia du Plessis from the Faculty of The Humanities, who presented her 3MT title, Exploring Instructional Communication Strategic for Holistic Student Development, and Naquita Fernandes from the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, with her 3MT title, Triggering Online Review Generation Behaviour. 

Other universities, such as the Nelson Mandela University, Unisa, the University of KwaZulu-Natal, the University of the Western Cape, the University of Johannesburg, and the University of Pretoria, were also present.

After a series of captivating presentations, Robinah Nakawunde from Stellenbosch University claimed the top prize. Representing the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, her presentation titled, Cured but Not Healed: Uncovering the Lung’s Struggles after TB, captured the attention of both the judges and the audience. Her research sheds light on how pulmonary tuberculosis continues to affect lung function even after successful treatment, highlighting the need for improved post-TB health-care interventions.

The first runner-up position went to Aaron Harvey from the University of Pretoria’s Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, whose research explores how avocado plants fight root rot disease using RNA interference mechanisms. His presentation, titled How Avocado Cells Fight Against the Root Rot Disease Caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi, Using RNAi Gatekeepers, impressed the judges with its clarity and scientific depth.

Morgan Lee from the University of Cape Town’s Faculty of Humanities took home the second runner-up prize. Her presentation, Locked In: The Hidden Barriers to Sustainable Agriculture, tackled the challenges facing South Africa’s commercial grain sector in transitioning towards more sustainable practices, offering insights that bridge environmental and social considerations.

The 2025 3MT National Competition once again demonstrated the power of concise, impactful communication in research. As the curtain closed, it was evident that South Africa’s future of research and innovation remains in capable hands, ones that can not only investigate deeply, but also explain passionately

News Archive

Thakaneng bridge: Valentines Promotions
2009-02-13

Thakaneng bridge: Valentines Promotions

Thakaneng bridge: Valentines Promotions - 13 February. Special discount! Prizes to be won!

  1. TRÄUMEREI

Enige twee ontbyte kry `n glasie sap en koffie gratis.
Enige middagete kry `n trammazini of glas huiswyn gratis.

Any two breakfasts get a free juice and coffee.
A free glass of wine or a trammazini with any lunch.

  1. VARSITY INFORMATION & TECHNOLOGY

Spend R1000.00 or more and stand a chance to win an Ipod Shuffle.
More specials in store.

Spandeer R1000.00 of meer en staan `n kans om `n Ipod Shuffle te wen.
Daar sal ook ander spesiale aanbiedinge in die winkel wees.

  1. VETKOEK FACTORY

Heart shaped vetkoek with delicious fillings and get a free heart shaped chocolate with every vetkoek.

Kom geniet `n hartvormige vetkoek met `n smaaklike vulsel en kry `n gratis hartvormige sjokolade.

  1. VARSITY HAIR STUDIO

Make Friday the 13th your lucky day at VARSITY HAIR STUDIO.
Amazing discounts will be given away!

Maak Vrydag die 13de jou gelukkige dag by VARSITY HAIR STUDIO.
Groot afslag op byna alles.

  1. KOVSIE PRIVAAT AKKOMMODASIE

Alle bestaande klante kom neem deel aan `n gelukstrekking en staan `n kans om `n etebewys ter waarde van R400.00 te wen.

All existing clients can enter into a lucky draw and stand a chance to win a free meal worth R400.00.

  1. XEROX

Kom neem deel aan `n “lucky draw” en wen een van verskeie geskenke.
Enter the lucky draw and win one of many prizes.

  1. MELLIN

LEVI, POLO en LUXION-KUKA promosies. Gratis geskenke wannneer `n raam gekoop word.
LEVI, POLO and LUXION-KUKA promotions. A free gift with any frame bought.

8. FRIENDLY SEVEN ELEVEN
Lots of in-store give-aways.
Vele weggee geskenke in die winkel. Besoek ons gerus.

9. RUSH HOUR
Kom prik `n ballon en wen een van vele pryse, waaronder T-hemde, `n koek, teddiebeer of dalk ‘n mini- make over.
Ons maak ook `n plan vir lekker musiek op die brug!

Win a cake, T-shirt ,a teddy bear or a mini make over in our burst a balloon competition.

10.MAMA`S KITCHEN
Kom neem deel aan `n gelukstrekking en wen `n piekniekmandjie vir twee.
`n Gratis geskenkie vir die eerste 100 klante.

Enter the lucky draw and stand a chance to win a picnic hamper for two.
The first 100 clients will receive a gift.

11. ROASTERS
Kom koop een chip twister en kry een gratis.
Buy ` chip twister and get one for free.

12 DIE DELI

Koop een groot ontbyt en kry `n damesontbyt gratis.
Kry skyfies gratis saam met enige burger.

Buy a breakfast and get a ladies breakfast free.
Free chips with any burger.

  1. NASHUA MOBILE

Buy airtime for R10.00 or more and stand a chance to win airtime worth R55.00
Koop lugtyd van R10.00 of meer en staan `n kans om lugtyd ter waarde van R55.00 te wen.

  1. VAN SCHAIK BOEKHANDEL

Alle aankope op 13 Februarie kwalifiseer vir `n gelukstrekking op die 14de Februarie en staan `n kans om `n geskenk te wen waaronder wetenskaplike sakrekenaars, memory sticks en penstelle.

All clients who buy something on 13 February 2009 may enter a lucky draw and may win gifts like pen sets, scientific calculator or a memory stick on 14 February 2009.

  1. ROCKSTARS

Kom koop `n T-hemp en staan `n kans om `n geskenk te wen.

Buy a T-shirt and stand a chance to win a prize

 

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