Nine researchers. Nine unique stories. Just three minutes each.

The University of Sussex is proud to announce the finalists of the 2025 Three Minute Thesis Competition, a celebration of the power of research, distilled into compelling, accessible stories.

Let’s meet the finalists.

From the School of Life Sciences, Jo Renaut is tackling some of the deadliest and most neglected cancers. Jo’s work explores “synthetic lethality,” using genetic data and computer simulations to identify gene pairs that, when targeted, could kill tumours while sparing healthy cells. Her research paves the way for personalised cancer treatment.

Also representing Life Sciences, Chrysovalantis Fekos is diving deep into the brain’s circuitry. By studying how different types of interneurons respond to touch, action, and reward, Chrysovalantis’s research could offer new insight into how neurological disorders alter brain function.

Switching to the School of Psychology, Nathan Pond is confronting anxiety disorders. Nathan’s research tests an experimental treatment aimed at reducing “attention bias”, a neurological pattern that traps people in cycles of worry. If successful, it could lead to more effective, low-cost interventions.

In the School of Law, Politics and Sociology, Seyi Ugochukwu interrogates the UK’s legal system. Seyi’s research explores how colonial legacies and austerity-era policies restrict undocumented migrants’ access to legal aid. Seyi's work challenges Eurocentric narratives and argues for decolonial justice reform.

From the School of Global Studies, Muthanna Saari explores the intersection of faith, poverty, and care. Muthanna’s research delves into zakat, an Islamic giving practice, and how British Muslims navigate moral giving in the context of poverty and the UK’s social welfare system.

Also from Global Studies, Arunima Shandilya sheds light on the complex identity of Pakistani-Hindu migrants in India. Arunima’s research follows their journey from migration to citizenship, unpacking how caste, class, gender, and age shape their experience of belonging.

In the School of Media, Arts and Humanities, Catherine Cundy is giving a voice to England’s most talented young musicians. Catherine’s research captures what exceptional learners want, and need, from their teachers, aiming to improve how schools support musical excellence.

Fellow Media and Arts researcher Johnny Hopkins explores something we often overlook, flags. Specifically, how the Union Jack is used in the UK music industry. Johnny’s work shows how symbols of nationalism can reinforce, or resist, colonial histories and identity politics.

And from the Business School, Charmaine Wellington is examining how artificial intelligence is transforming hiring in finance. Charmaine’s research investigates AI's impact on the career progression of Black professional women, and whether new tech is helping equity, or reinforcing old biases.

Each of these nine finalists will deliver their pitch at the Three Minute Thesis Final, and they’ve got just three minutes to win your vote!

The Three Minute Thesis Final takes place on Friday June 20 (2-4pm).

Reserve your seat now at:
ticketsource.co.uk/srsrdp/three-minute-thesis-final-and-adam-weiler-impact-panel/e-moagam

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