Oli Fryatt delivering his three-minute thesis.
Oli Fryatt, who is studying for a PhD in Mechanical Engineering, has successfully won the Swansea University Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition final.
The event took place as part of the Postgraduate Research (PGR) Festival, a month-long series of events showcasing the cutting-edge research conducted by Swansea University students.
Oli emerged victorious over 13 other postgraduate research students from across the university’s three faculties to claim the top prize.
In his compelling presentation, Oli addressed the urgent need for improved recycling methods for end-of-life solar panels to recover valuable raw materials. He highlighted an innovative recycling method using liquid nitrogen, which has the potential to significantly support the green energy transition by embracing the principles of the circular economy.
Established by the University of Queensland in 2008, 3MT is an international competition held at over 200 universities worldwide. It challenges PhD students to present their research in just three minutes using a single static PowerPoint slide. The competition aims to make complex research topics accessible to a broad audience with no specialist knowledge in the field.
Swansea University is one of approximately 70 UK-based institutions participating in this global initiative. The 3MT competition encourages postgraduate research students to communicate their work and passion to non-specialist audiences, showcasing the quality and diversity of their research and its impact on the world.
Reflecting on his achievement, Oli Fryatt said: “Participating in the 3MT competition has been a fantastic experience that challenged me to communicate my research engagingly and concisely. Winning the competition in the first year of my PhD has boosted my confidence in presenting my research and affirms the interest and importance of this work towards promoting a greener future.”
Professor Gert Aarts, Deputy Pro-Vice Chancellor for Postgraduate Research at Swansea University, added: “The climax of our annual PGR festival is the PGR Showcase, which includes the 3MT final and award ceremony. These exciting events bring together the entire research and research support community across all our faculties and allow our PGR students to shine in front of a broad and keen audience.
“This year I was struck by the urgency of many of the research projects, stretching from deaf nurses in the NHS and the accuracy of lateral flow tests to the removal of ultrathin layers of paint and the recycling of solar cells. It is inspiring to see that our research students want to make a change and are delivering on their promise.”
Oli Fryatt will now advance to the 3MT UK quarter-finals in July, with the opportunity to compete in the 3MT UK online final in September, hosted by Vitae, the global leader in researcher development.