The Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition challenges researchers to present their entire 80,000-word thesis in just three minutes, using only a single static slide. With strict time rules, anyone who exceeds the limit is automatically disqualified. Participants must deliver a short, coherent pitch that distils complex research into an accessible presentation, clearly conveying the research’s impact.
Gulnur, a Chemistry PhD student, impressed judges with an effective and impactful presentation on her research into antibacterial nanostructured surfaces, an interesting approach to tackling the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance. She will now represent Bristol as a quarterfinalist at the 2026 Vitae 3MT competition, the national stage of the tournament.
Gulnur clearly articulated how her work explores alternative ways to fight harmful bacteria without relying on traditional antibiotics, focusing instead on creating surfaces that destroy bacteria through purely mechanical damage. Summing up the urgency of her work, she noted: “Bacteria have adapted, and now, we must too.”
Gulnur, said: "I have always believed that science should be engaging, simple, and accessible to a general audience. As researchers, it is our responsibility to communicate our work clearly, because science only makes a real difference when it reaches people. The 3MT competition has been a fantastic opportunity to develop these skills, as well as to discover inspiring research and connect with passionate people who bring their work to life through storytelling."
Professor Harry Mellor, Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor for Postgraduate Research at the University of Bristol, said: “In her winning presentation, Gulnar showed us how engineering at the nanostructural level could create surfaces that were naturally hostile to bacteria, reducing infections and safeguarding human health.
“Like all the presentations, her three-minute talk felt like the start of the most interesting of conversations, and I thank all the finalists for reminding us of how creative and inspiring research can be.”
The runner-up was Rachael Laidlaw, Interactive Artificial Intelligence (PhD), whose research in artificial intelligence promises a powerful tool to support faster, more effective conservation efforts.
Each year, audience members are invited to vote for their favourite presentation. This year’s People’s Choice Award went to Amaia Alcalde Anton, Biological Sciences (PhD), who spoke theatrically about training butterflies, exploring differences in long-term memory between genera, and the potential reasons behind these variations.
The People’s Choice Award has this year been named in honour of Dee Smart, Head of Public Engagement with Research at the University of Bristol, who sadly passed away in December 2025. The award was created using teal glass, a nod to her memorable blue hair.
At the University of Bristol, where around 3,500 postdoctoral researchers (PDRs) and postgraduate researchers (PGRs) make up 54% of the research community, 3MT showcases the depth and diversity of early-career research.
Professor Mellor went on to say: “Between them, our eight finalists managed to encapsulate the incredible diversity of postgraduate research at the University.”
The University of Bristol’s 3MT is organised by Bristol Doctoral College.