A huge congratulations to Cate Sexton from the College of Science and Engineering for her remarkable achievements in the 2025 Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) Competition!
The 3MT® is a global academic challenge that invites PhD students to present their research in just three minutes — using one static slide and no props — to a non-specialist audience. Developed by The University of Queensland, the competition helps researchers sharpen their communication, presentation, and storytelling skills while making their work accessible and engaging.
Cate’s PhD research explores the deep-time relationships between people and animals in semi-arid southern Australia. Her project focuses on animal bones from Warratyi rock shelter (Vulkathunha–Gammon Ranges, Adnyamathanha Country), weaving together archaeology, palaeontology, and traditional knowledge to uncover ancient interactions.
After winning the Flinders University 3MT Final in August — following success in the College Heats and Semi-final — Cate advanced to the Asia-Pacific Final, where she was named one of just eight finalists from a pool of 55 entrants across the region. She was later awarded runner-up in the Innovative Research Universities (IRU) 3MT Competition, with winners announced at the Senior Leaders Forum in September.
Reflecting on her experience, Cate shared:
“It’s pretty amazing what can be achieved in three minutes — and what can come from simply deciding to give it a go. Entering the 3MT was a last-minute ‘why not?’ decision, and I’m so glad I did. The process of preparing, editing, practising, and presenting expanded my skillset in ways I didn’t expect. I gained confidence, resilience, and a sharper ability to communicate. Plus, I made new connections across the university and shared my research with audiences who might never have encountered it otherwise. It’s been personally rewarding and professionally invaluable — I can’t recommend it enough.”
Watch Cate’s presentation (above) and learn about the other 2025 Flinders 3MT Finalists here.
Inspired? Registrations of interest for the 2026 3MT Competition are now open. If you’re a PhD student ready to share your research and grow your skills — just like Cate — sign up here!