News 2024
UCC PhD student Aideen McCabe wins ‘Three Minute Thesis’ National Final 2024
Aideen McCabe, a PhD student from University College Cork (UCC), has been named champion of this year’s Irish Universities Association (IUA) Three Minute Thesis competition, for her presentation on early detection methods for ovarian cancer.
Aideen’s research investigates a multiomic approach to assess the expression and regulation of long non-coding RNAs in ovarian cancer. Her PhD supervisor is Dr Kellie Dean from UCC’s School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology.
Megan Joyce from TU Dublin was awarded the Audience Choice Award, with Muhammed Muddassar from University of Limerick named as the runner-up.
Winner of the competition Aideen McCabe said:
"It’s been a fantastic journey taking part in the Three Minute Thesis, from the university challenge to the national final, and I am thrilled to have won the national final. Taking part has enhanced my communication skills and allowed me to think of my research in a creative way and from the viewpoint of others."
Competing for the national prize were eight PhD Researchers, each the winner in their individual university competitions held throughout the year.
The Three Minute Thesis concept was originally developed by the University of Queensland and has become an event that has been replicated around the globe. The competition supports graduate research students in their development as confident research communicators.
Participants are challenged to present their research in three minutes, using only one slide, to a non-specialist audience. Entrants must distil their niche subjects and intensive research into bite-sized presentations that will inform and entertain the general public.
The competition saw researchers compete from Dublin City University, Maynooth University, Trinity College Dublin, University College Cork, University College Dublin, University of Galway, University of Limerick and TU Dublin.
The judging panel scored the competitors on two aspects ‘Comprehension and Content’ and ‘Engagement and Communication’. They decided the overall winner and runner up while the audience also got to choose their favourite.
Dr Orla Lynch, Dean of Doctoral Studies, UCC said:
"Aideen’s success in the ‘Three Minute Thesis’ competition is a remarkable achievement that highlights her ability to communicate complex research with clarity and impact. We are thrilled to see her hard work and that of her supervisor Dr Kellie Dean recognised at this prestigious event. Thanks also to Barry Monaghan from the Department of Film and Media who coached Aideen in preparation for her presentation."
Professor Justin McCarthy, Head, School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, UCC commented:
"Aideen’s achievement is a testament to her exceptional dedication and talent. We are incredibly proud of her and hope that her research will make significant strides in the fight against ovarian cancer."
This year marks the second year the IUA hosts the competition in Ireland to celebrate the achievements and talent of Irish university PhD researchers.