Peter Akor wins GCU Three Minute Thesis competition

Kimia Rezaei Fard, left, with Peter Akor

Postgraduate researchers from Glasgow Caledonian University once again shone at this year's Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) competition, impressing judges with a compelling presentation of their research in just three minutes.

Peter Akor, from the School of Science and Engineering, secured the Judges' Choice Award at the University's annual final, held on the Glasgow campus and livestreamed to audiences online on Wednesday, 3 June.

His presentation, The Minutes That Matter: Transforming Epileptic Seizure Care from Reaction to Prediction, explored how technology and data could help predict epileptic seizures before they happen, potentially improving safety, treatment and quality of life for people living with epilepsy.

The People's Choice Award, voted for by audience members attending in person and online, was awarded to Kimia Rezaei Fard from the School of Health and Life Sciences. Her presentation, The Mystery of the Unstable Ankle, examined why some people continue to experience ankle instability and repeated injuries after a sprain, with the aim of improving diagnosis, treatment and long-term recovery.

Hosted by the Research and Knowledge Exchange Services (RKES) team, the competition challenges postgraduate research (PGR) students to explain their research to a non-specialist audience using only a single slide and a three-minute presentation.

This year's other finalists represented a range of disciplines from across the University:

  • Amy Close, Glasgow School for Business and Society – Future-Proofing Inclusive Working Environments for Women on the Menopausal Transition Journey
  • Abisola Ijaodola, School of Science and Engineering – Developing a Climate Just Finance Framework for Glasgow
  • Niloofar Sedighi, School of Health and Life Sciences – Reducing Pressure Where It Matters: Developing Innovative Solutions to Prevent and Treat Diabetic Foot Ulcers Through 3D-Printed Insoles

The final was opened by Principal and Vice-Chancellor Professor Mairi Watson, who welcomed finalists and audience members and highlighted the importance of communicating research beyond academic audiences.

Judges Dr Stephanie Zihms, Professor Ole Pahl and Dr Julie Roberts assessed presentations on their comprehension, engagement and communication, while audience members cast votes for the People's Choice Award.

The Judges' Choice winner received a £100 prize, the 3MT trophy and will go on to represent Glasgow Caledonian University in the national UK 3MT competition organised by Vitae.

Now in its 12th year at GCU, the competition has seen more than 80 postgraduate researchers participate across a wide range of disciplines, showcasing the breadth and impact of the University's research community.

Karen Coyle, Senior Researcher Development Officer in RKES, said: “The Three Minute Thesis competition is a fantastic opportunity for our postgraduate researchers to develop and demonstrate their research communication skills.

“Explaining complex research clearly and engagingly to a wider audience is an increasingly important skill, and all of this year's finalists should be extremely proud of their achievements. By bringing together researchers, staff and supporters from across the University, the annual event continues to play an important role in strengthening GCU's research culture, encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration and showcasing the impact of postgraduate research.”