July Three-minute ‘Threesis’ talk on pain systems wins University prize

A PhD researcher who investigates the body’s own cannabis-like chemicals in response to pain has won University of Galway’s Threesis challenge. 

Whittled down from an initial 80 participants, Kevin Murray earned top prize in competition with 12 postgraduate research students in the Threesis Grand Finale in the University’s O’Donoghue Theatre.  

The finalists were tasked with sharing the story of their research in just 3 minutes, using three slides, in front of three judges and a voting audience, including members of the public. 

Threesis is a fast-paced research communications competition, with presentations covering a range of topics including the future of medical research, ocean ecosystem accounting for Ireland and the lived experiences of female migrants in the Irish hotel sector. 

Originally from Co Mayo, Kevin Murray is studying in the University’s College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences and is affiliated with the Centre for Pain Research and the Galway Neuroscience Centre. His research is supported by the Canadian Institute of Health Research.  

His presentation - The Endocannabinoid System and Pain: Ancient System, New Frontiers - described his research project, which investigates the relationships between the body’s own cannabis-like chemicals - endocannabinoids, genetics and mood in response to painful stimuli. 

Second place went to student Maryam Arif for her presentation - Deadly cargo, Smart Delivery. Originally from India, she is pursuing a PhD in Cancer Biology in the School of Chemical and Biological Sciences. Her research is working to advance cancer treatment through nanomedicine. By developing targeted, drug-loaded liposomes designed to selectively kill cancer cells, particularly those resistant to conventional treatment, the aim is to improve therapeutic outcomes for cancer patients. 

Third place went to student Eléa Thuilier for her presentation - Augmented Reality  
Video Games for Osteoporosis. Originally from France, Eléa is pursuing a PhD based in the School of Computer Science. Her research is supported by the Research Ireland Centre for Research Training in Digitally Enhanced Reality (CRT-DREAL). Her research investigates the use of immersive technology and video games for patients with osteoporosis by proposing a novel and engaging technology-based training programme. Eléa also represented University of Galway in the national competition ‘Ma thèse en 180 secondes’ where she was runner-up in the competition to present a research project in 3 minutes in French. 

The Public Choice Award went to Alison Hall for her presentation - High Steaks: Reducing Methane Emissions in Cattle Farming. Based in the School of Chemical and Biological Sciences, Alison’s research is being undertaken as part of the Methane Abatement in Grazing Systems project funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine. 

The judges were: Louise McCormack, 2024 Threesis Winner; Deirdre Giblin, Vice President of Operations and Site Lead at Datavant Ireland; and Professor Dónal Leech, Dean of Graduate Studies at the University of Galway. 

Professor Dónal Leech said: “Threesis is a highlight each year for our research community as it provides an accessible overview across the University of the ground-breaking research underway by our postgraduate researchers. Our 12 finalists were outstanding in their ability to condense their complex and specialised research into just three minutes for a public audience. My congratulations to the winners and finalists, and also to the 80 students who participated in training and heats, and the many colleagues across campus who support this programme.” 

Organised by the Office of the Vice-President for Research and Innovation along with a campus-wide network of supporters, the Threesis competition was initiated at University of Galway in 2012 and is open to all postgraduate research students at the University. 

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