December 10, 2023

2023 Three-Minute Thesis and MORU-OUCRU Student Conference

MORU and OUCRU unite annually to enhance postgraduate learning, improving academic ecosystems, fostering student-supervisor connections, excelling in mentorship, and championing effective science communication. Building on the success of previous years, we have once again organised the highly anticipated Three-Minute Thesis competition and the impactful MORU-OUCRU Student Conference.

Three-Minute Thesis (3MT)

The MORU-OUCRU Three-Minute Thesis (3MT) is an annual competition organised by the Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU) and Oxford University Clinical Research Unit (OUCRU) to enhance the academic, presentation and research communication skills of PhD students. 

Participants are challenged to explain their research in a concise three-minute presentation, tailored for a non-specialist audience. 

The competition consists of three qualifying rounds, and the shortlisted participants advance to the Grand Final 3MT Competition. This year, the Grand Final took place in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam and was attended by a live audience. A panel of expert judges and invited local high school students vote to determine the winners, who receive exciting prizes.

The winners of the 2023 competition are as follows:

From the left: Robert Sinto (Runner-up), Christopher Chew (1st Prize), Huynh Ngoc Minh Thi (People’s Choice).

“Science is much more impactful when it is communicated well, often to lay but powerful listeners such as policy makers.”

1st Prize Winner, Christopher Chew

As OUCRU, we believe in the profound significance of inspiring the next generation of scientists, particularly in Southeast Asia, where immense potential for capacity-building exists. Through initiatives such as 3MT, we had the opportunity to demonstrate to the high school students present on that day how science can be not only life-changing but also enjoyable. It is our mission to ignite their passion for science and empower them to pursue rewarding scientific journeys.

The 2023 Grand Final was an incredible event, showcasing the impressive research and communication skills of the participants. To relive the highlights, watch the video here: 


MORU-OUCRU Student Conference (MOSC)

Alongside the 3MT Competition, the MORU-OUCRU Student Conference (MOSC) is held annually. This conference provides an excellent platform for students from MORU and OUCRU to meet, connect, share their stories and effectively prepare for their PhD studies and vivas. 

Students embrace the joy of learning and connection at the 2023 MORU-OUCRU Student Conference.

In 2023, we introduced an exciting addition to the conference, an enriching 2-day away trip for the competitors and students. This trip offered unique opportunities for networking and further academic growth.

Students had an unforgettable away trip during the 2023 MOSC

To get a glimpse of the memorable moments from the 2023 MORU-OUCRU Student Conference, watch the video here:

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