Three minutes, ten researchers: BDI PhD students excel in 2026 3MT
Ten PhD candidates from across the Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute (BDI) delivered an outstanding showcase of research excellence at the 2026 Three Minute Thesis (3MT™) Competition, held on 27 May. The annual event challenged doctoral researchers to present their complex research projects in just three minutes, demonstrating both the depth of their science and their ability to communicate it clearly to a broad audience.
The 2026 cohort demonstrated exceptional creativity and clarity, translating highly technical concepts into compelling narratives for both scientific and general audiences. Spanning topics from immune system regulation and reproductive health to antibiotic resistance and stroke recovery, the presentations highlighted the breadth of discovery at BDI, showcasing both cutting-edge science and real-world impact.
The 3MT competition is a key platform for developing research communication skills. Participants are evaluated on comprehension, content, engagement and communication - with only a single static slide allowed, no props or additional media!
The event was convened by Associate Professor Belinda Henry, Director of the Monash BDI Graduate School, with judging panel members Associate Professor Anne Fletcher and Bala Siva, who faced the difficult task of selecting winners from an exceptionally strong field.
Reflecting on the competition, Associate Professor Henry praised both the quality of the research and the students’ communication skills.
“The presentations showcased research of exceptional quality. The candidates demonstrated their outstanding ability to distil complex ideas into a compelling narrative that was both scientifically rigorous and deeply engaging,” Associate Professor Henry said.
Taking out first place was Rianna Tadd-Lennox from the Department of Pharmacology, who impressed the judges with her presentation, “IRAP blockers: Rerouting our brain’s plumbing during stroke.” Supervised by Professor Tracey Gaspari, Rianna’s work focuses on inhibiting Insulin regulated aminopeptidase (IRAP) as a novel treatment for post ischemic stroke therapy. Her work focuses on clinical translatability by combining data from multiple stroke models as well as investigating in both sexes. Her compelling delivery and clear explanation of a complex topic earned her the $300 winner’s prize.
With her win, Rianna Tadd-Lennox now advances to the Faculty 3MT Final on 24 June, where she will continue to showcase BDI research on a wider stage.
The runner-up award ($150) was presented to Mahesh Dharmakumara, also from the Department of Pharmacology, for his presentation titled “The Storm Within: Using Breath to Identify Asthma Attack Risk.” Supervised by Professor Chrishan Samuel, Mahesh’s research explores the innovative use of breath-based biomarkers to enable earlier detection of asthma. Through his novel analysis of exhaled nitric oxide from a simple breath test, he aims to give clinicians a sensitive, non-invasive window into airway responsiveness.
The People’s Choice Award ($150) went to Yimin Wu from the Department of Microbiology, whose presentation “Rescue a Last-Resort Antibiotic from Resistance” captured the audience’s attention. Under the supervision of Dr Meiling Han, Yimin’s research addresses one of the most urgent global health challenges - antibiotic resistance.
The BDI congratulates all participants on their achievements and thanks the judges and audience for supporting this celebration of research and communication. The strong field of competitors this year reflects the Institute’s commitment to nurturing not only scientific excellence but also the next generation of research leaders who can communicate their work with confidence and impact. Representing a broad cross-section of BDI research, the remaining 2026 contestants were:
- Taahirah Mangera (Physiology), “How smooth are your moves?” (Supervisor: Associate Professor Nicholas Price)
- Georgia-Rose Gilmore (Microbiology), “Antibiotics: Accidentally Arming the Enemy?” (Supervisor: Professor Dena Lyras)
- Mohammed Abdelaal (Biochemistry and Molecular Biology), “The hidden switch: Taming immunity with MR1” (Supervisor: Dr Wael Awad Mohamed Abdelhady)
- Zaahida Shireen Abdul Jalil (Anatomy and Developmental Biology), “Curating the Recipe for Future Ovarian Health” (Supervisor: Professor Karla Hutt)
- Galih Adhyatma (Physiology), “When Immune Cells Help Cancer – and How We Stop Them” (Supervisor: Associate Professor Remy Robert)
- Rachel (Runqiu) Song (Biochemistry and Molecular Biology), “Friend or Foe? When the Immune System Betrays You” (Supervisor: Dr Asolina Braun)
- Lisa Tu (Anatomy and Developmental Biology), “Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Ovary” (Supervisor: Professor Karla Hutt)
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About the Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute at Monash University
Committed to making discoveries that will relieve the future burden of disease, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute at Monash University brings together more than 120 internationally renowned research teams. Spanning seven discovery programs across Cancer, Cardiovascular Disease, Development and Stem Cells, Infection, Immunity, Metabolism, Diabetes and Obesity, and Neuroscience, Monash BDI is one of the largest biomedical research institutes in Australia. Our researchers are supported by world-class technology and infrastructure, and partner with industry, clinicians and researchers internationally to enhance lives through discovery.