How 3MT helped Dilendra find her voice and shape her future 

For Dilendra, a PhD candidate in science at Deakin University, the Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition wasn’t just another academic challenge. It was a career-defining moment. 

Having spent years immersed in the technical language of laboratory research, she saw 3MT as an opportunity to reach people outside her field. ‘It helped me get people outside my field to truly listen and connect with the work I do,’ Dilendra said. ‘That feedback [I received] still shapes the way I share research today.’ 

The experience didn’t just sharpen her communication skills – it also opened doors to unexpected career pathways and expanded her professional network. 

What is 3MT, and why does it matter for PhD students?  

The 3MT is an academic competition that challenges PhD candidates from around Australia to explain their research in a clear, engaging way in just three minutes, using only one static slide. 

It’s designed to help researchers break down complex ideas into accessible language, build confidence, and connect with audiences from outside their discipline. 

As Wijesekara puts it, ‘3MT helps you come up with the best answer when a family member, a stranger, or a friend asks, “So what is it that you do?”’ 

What makes the competition so valuable, she says, is the free access to communication coaching and support provided by the university’s research workshops. ‘Whether or not you win, the skills and confidence you gain will stay with you long after the competition.’ 

You can read about the winning projects at Deakin’s 2024 3MT Grand Final to see the range of topics and talent on display. 

Wijesekara’s 3MT Deakin experience 

Wijesekara’s 3MT journey culminated in her being awarded the coveted People’s Choice Award at the 2024 Asia-Pacific finals, an achievement that highlights both her talent and the quality of support she received at Deakin. 

‘Having competed at the Asia-Pacific level and won the People’s Choice award, I can confidently say the support provided by Deakin is unmatched,’ says Wijesekara. ‘I always felt empowered to give my best because I knew I had their full support throughout my 3MT journey.’ 

Beyond the accolades, the sense of community stood out. ‘The finalists I met at the Deakin finals were amazing. We encouraged and supported each other to be our best, never seeing one another as competition.’ 

PhD research presentations: key strategies for success 

Wijesekara’s success wasn’t accidental. When it comes to PhD research presentations, she credits strategic preparation and a mindset geared toward growth. 

‘One of my key strategies is to practice presenting to someone who has no background in the topic. If they can understand what I’m saying, it tells me that I’ve explained it clearly.’ 

She also shared her approach to confidence. ‘As for confidence, I believe it often comes from facing the things that scare me. I keep pushing myself to step outside my comfort zone because it’s only by doing what we think we cannot do that we realize the limits are mostly in our minds.’ 

Deakin offers plenty of platforms to hone these skills, giving researchers real-world experience in sharing their work beyond academia. 

For further insights into the impact of research communication and engagement, see this peer-reviewed article on effective science communication in higher education and this recent publication on doctoral student development through outreach. 

Building excellence through research workshops and research seminars 

PhD development at Deakin is deeply supported through the Researcher Development Academy (RDA), which offers an expanding catalogue of workshops, seminars and personalised coaching. 

‘As PhD students, we juggle several things all at once, so I usually pick workshops and seminars depending on my availability and prioritise the ones that align with my interests,’ Wijesekara explains. 

She was also selected for the IMNIS Engage program, a national mentoring initiative linking PhD students with industry leaders. ‘This opportunity will add so much value to my career by giving me guidance, industry insights, and connections I wouldn’t have had otherwise.’ 

You can find more about support for researchers at Deakin through the Support for Researchers hub. 

More than a thesis: how the Deakin PhD program shapes you beyond the research 

A PhD isn’t just about generating new knowledge. A PhD is about growth, impact, and transformation. For Wijesekara, the journey has been filled with purpose and insight. 

Through communication, connection, and community, Wijesekara’s experience exemplifies what the Deakin PhD program offers: a foundation for excellence in research and far beyond. 

‘It’s given me the opportunity to inspire kids not to be afraid of STEM and to pursue science with curiosity and confidence,’ she said. ‘Most importantly, it’s given me the opportunity to dream bigger than I ever thought possible, especially for a girl from Sri Lanka.’