Three Minute Thesis 2026: Winner Announced
Birmingham Three Minute Thesis 2026: Winner Announced After an Exceptionally Competitive Final
The University Doctoral School (UDS) is pleased to share the results of this year’s Birmingham Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition, following an exceptional 3MT Final held on 25 March. The event brought together ten outstanding doctoral researchers from across the University’s five colleges, each challenged to present their thesis in just three minutes to a non-specialist audience.
The standard of presentations was very high, with finalists demonstrating the originality, significance, and impact of their research, as well their superb ability to communicate complex ideas with clarity and confidence. Judges noted the high level of preparation and the impressive breadth of topics represented.
After a closely contested Final, we are excited to congratulate the 2026 Birmingham 3MT winner Zhenyan Yin, from the College of Social Sciences. Her presentation on ‘How Learning Word Parts Makes a Difference in Bilingual Children’ stood out for its strong narrative structure and the engaging way she captured the importance of her research.
Two runners-up were also recognised for their excellent presentations:
College of Medicine and Health
Princess Jemima Nambo – ‘Cervical screening through the lens of faith and culture’
College of Life and Environmental Sciences
Helen Trinder – ‘Can you feel what I feel? Understanding empathy and its role in inhibiting violence’
Now in its thirteenth year at Birmingham, the Three Minute Thesis competition was originally developed by the University of Queensland and aims to help doctoral researchers refine their research communication skills and enhance the visibility of their work both within and outside academia. The annual 3MT competition forms a key part of the University Doctoral School’s ongoing commitment to supporting researcher development and fostering interdisciplinary engagement.
All entrants receive guidance and constructive feedback throughout the process, culminating in the University-wide final where the top ten finalists compete for prizes and the opportunity to represent Birmingham at both national and international levels. Zhenyan, our 2026 Birmingham 3MT winner, will now go on to represent the University in the national Vitae 3MT competition and the international Universitas 21 contest.
The UDS extends its warmest congratulations to Zhenyan, Helen Trinder, and Princess Jemima Nambo and offers sincere thanks to all finalists for their hard work, dedication, and the exceptionally high standard of their presentations. Their contributions made this year’s 3MT final both memorable and inspiring for everyone who attended.
3MT People’s Choice Award
With the 2026 3MT Final now complete, the voting for the People’s Choice Award is officially open.
The UDS are delighted to invite all staff, students, and friends of the 3MT finalists to watch the inspiring presentations from our 3MT finalists on YouTube and cast a vote for their favourite.
Watch the presentations here: 2026 Birmingham 3MT Finals presentations
Cast your vote here: Cast your vote for your favourite 3MT presentation
The winner of the People’s Choice Award will be announced and presented with a special prize at the annual UDS Awards PG Research Festival on 16 June 2026.