Posted on by George Booth

Flinders 3MT winner announced

2026 University Finalists: (from left to right), Michael Kirton (Finalist), Tim Cavagnaro (MC, PVC Research Training and Capabilities and Dean of Graduate Research), Rajani Khanal (University Runner-Up), Professor Tracey Humphrey (Judge), Stellene Vitaro (University Winner), Samuel Doering (University People’s Choice Winner), Jay Verma (Finalist), Mr Jim Deed (Judge), Mr Benson Saulo (Judge).
2026 University Finalists: (from left to right), Michael Kirton (Finalist), Tim Cavagnaro (MC, PVC Research Training and Capabilities and Dean of Graduate Research), Rajani Khanal (University Runner-Up), Professor Tracey Humphrey (Judge), Stellene Vitaro (University Winner), Samuel Doering (University People’s Choice Winner), Jay Verma (Finalist), Mr Jim Deed (Judge), Mr Benson Saulo (Judge).

Congratulations to Stellene Vitaro from the College of Medicine and Public Health, who claimed the top prize in the Flinders 2026 Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition held Monday 27 July, which saw five outstanding finalists attempt to synthesise their research using simple and accessible terms in just three minutes.

Stellene impressed judges with her engaging presentation, Finding the Biomarker Needle in a Blood Sample Haystack: Improving Early Cancer Detection. Her winning performance now secures her a place at the Asia-Pacific 3MT Final in September, where she will represent Flinders University. We wish Stellene all the best as she shares her research with a broader audience across the region.

We also extend our congratulations to:

  • Rajani Khanal – College of Medicine and Public Heath, who was awarded Runner-Up.
  • Samuel Doering – College of Human Sciences and Culture, who won the People’s Choice Award.
  • Fellow finalists Jay Verma (College of Human Sciences and Culture) and Michael Kirton (College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences), who delivered outstanding presentations.

The success of the competition would not have been possible without the support of many contributors. The University thanks Stefano Zaccagnini and Cate Sexton, the 2025 People’s Choice and University winners, respectively, for their guidance and encouragement of this year’s participants.

We also extend our sincere appreciation to our judging panel:

  • Mr Benson Saulo, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Global Engagement), Flinders University.
  • Professor Tracy Humphrey, Vice-President and Executive Dean, College of Health and Enablement, Flinders University.
  • Mr Jim Deed, Head of Grants, The Hospital Research Foundation Group.

Following the competition, finalists, supervisors, colleagues, friends and family gathered at the Finalists Reception to celebrate the achievements of all competitors and acknowledge the dedication and hard work of the finalists.

If you missed the 3MT University Final, you can watch the replay here. Interested in participating in 3MT 2027? You can register your interest here.

You can also read more about this year’s finalists, with recordings of the presentations to be published on the 3MT website soon.

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