Photo: Mr Julian Nwodo, a doctoral student in the Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology (FEBIT) and winner of the institutional 3MT SANORD Competition.

 

The SANORD 3MT (Three Minute Thesis) Competition is an academic competition that challenges graduate students to present their research clearly and engagingly to a non-specialist audience, using only three minutes. The competition emphasises effective communication skills, encouraging participants to condense their complex research projects into concise and accessible presentations. It provides a platform for students to showcase their research, practice their communication skills, and connect with a broader audience, fostering interdisciplinary understanding and collaboration within the Southern African Nordic research community.

The Research Development and Postgraduate Studies (RD and PGS): Graduate School applauded Mr Julian Nwodo for winning the institutional 3MT SANORD Competition. Mr Nwodo is a Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology (FEBIT) doctoral student. His research focussed on ‘Re-Engineering of existing wastewater stabilisation ponds for improved contaminant removal’.

Mr Nwodo said, “participating in the three-minute competition came with a certain level of anxiety, which I overcame by channelling my energy into giving my best. Nonetheless, this experience provided me with much-needed exposure. Such an accomplishment wouldn't have been attainable without the Research Office's invaluable assistance and my supervisors' guidance. The resources provided by the office played a significant role in helping me achieve this. I strongly urge postgraduate students to actively participate in such opportunities offered by the Research Office: Graduate School.”

The panel of judges included Ms Kuda Brandt, Science and Innovation Communication Specialist within the Directorate of Research, Innovation and Partnerships at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST), and Mrs Tshepiso Mokoena, Programme Manager at the Research Capacity Development: Centre for Graduate Support (CGS) at the University of the Free State (UFS) and Facilitator of the National 3MT Competition at UFS.

Ms Eleanor Nel coordinated the programme; Coordinator: Graduate School Programme in Research Education.

Uploaded: 18 August 2023