On 29 September, a few PhD students from the Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI) stepped onto the Musion stage to take part in something a little different - the University of Pretoria’s Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition. Originating from the University of Queensland in Australia, 3MT has grown into a global academic event. Its challenge? For doctoral candidates to explain their research in a compelling three-minute presentation, aimed at a general audience with little to no background in their field.

This university-wide competition attracted over 50 applications from all faculties, with only 20 students shortlisted to present on the day. Among them were three FABI PhD candidates: Gbenga Alabi, Aaron Harvey, and Dylan Pullock. Their presentations covered diverse and impactful research topics: citrus brown rot, avocado molecular defence mechanisms, and the use of methyl eugenol lures, respectively.

After a series of strong and engaging presentations, Aaron Harvey was named the runner-up of the competition. He, along with the first-place winner from the EMS department, will now represent the University of Pretoria at the national 3MT competition, hosted by the University of the Free State on 24 October 2025. There, they will compete against the top two presenters from nine universities across South Africa. FABI’s strong showing at the 3MT competition highlights the Institute’s commitment to impactful research and effective science communication.

(Photos: UP/EyeScape)