Harinash Rao wins Monash University’s 3MT finals
Harinash presenting during the 3MT Finals at Monash University
PhD student Harinash Rao from the School of Science clinched first place at the Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Finals at Monash University on 18 August 2025, marking the first victory for the Malaysia campus in over a decade. His winning presentation, Eczema: Patched with Sugar, Protein, and Clay, highlighted his research on a biodegradable skin patch that soothes and protects eczema-prone skin.
This achievement took place on one of the university’s biggest stages for research communication. Monash’s 3MT Finals, held in Clayton, gathered top presenters from across campuses, showcasing the university’s depth of research and communication talent. 3MT itself is a global competition spanning more than 900 universities in over 80 countries, with the winner of Monash’s finals going on to represent the university at the 3MT Asia-Pacific finals.
For Harinash, representing the Malaysia campus added another layer of responsibility. “It was an honour to represent our campus, though I did feel quite a bit of pressure as it had been over 10 years since our campus last won,” he said. The title was last secured in 2014 by Tridib Saha from the School of Engineering.
When he stepped on stage before a new and wider audience, Harinash realised that it wasn't just the competition that was tougher; the stakes were higher too. “The finals brought together the best presenters from each faculty, which meant I had to be at the top of my game. Winning and representing Monash University at the Asia-Pacific competition is an even greater honour,” he said.
That success came after months of preparation, from studying past winning presentations and refining his script to seeking feedback from his supervisors and lab colleagues and rehearsing extensively. Competing in Australia also meant adapting quickly to unexpected challenges, such as last-minute adjustments to the stage setup and navigating differences in pronunciation.
A group photo of the 3MT award recipients and judges
Despite these hurdles, Harinash rose to the occasion and delivered a clear, concise, and engaging summary of his research, ultimately earning the judges’ vote.
Reflecting on his experience, he said, “I learned that I conveyed my work effectively, as I received plenty of positive feedback. I am also motivated to improve further, knowing that my research has the potential to be life-changing.”
The competition reminded Harinash of the importance of being bold during his PhD journey, as certain opportunities may not come again after graduation. Encouraging future students to join the 3MT, he said, “Participate at least once, as it challenges you to distil years of research into just three minutes, a communication skill that is invaluable both within and beyond academia.”
He also acknowledged the support and mentorship of his supervisor, Associate Professor Joash Tan Ban Lee. "I am deeply grateful to my supervisor for encouraging me to take part in this event when I had no intention to, and for believing in my potential before I did,” he said.
This win is just the beginning for Harinash, as they aim for commercialisation, with pharmaceutical companies considering clinical testing. As he prepares for the upcoming Asia-Pacific 3MT Semi-Final Showcase, his journey represents not just a personal milestone but also reflects the Monash community’s dedication to meaningful research that improves lives.