Ten graduate student finalists will make three-minute presentations in the Fall 2025 Three‑Minute Thesis (3MT) finals on Wednesday, Nov. 12, at 3 p.m. The competition will be held in the Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering Auditorium at Gateway Research Park South, 2907 E. Gate City Blvd., bringing emerging scholars to a central Guilford County research venue.

The 3MT format challenges participants to distill their research into a single slide and a three‑minute talk understandable to a general audience. The format rewards clarity and relevance, pushing scholars to sharpen how they communicate findings beyond academic circles. VIP judges for the finals include Interim Provost Catherine Edmonds and state legislators N.C. Reps. Frances Jackson and Amos Quick, signaling institutional and legislative interest in graduate research and higher education outcomes.

For Guilford County residents, the competition is more than an academic contest: it is a window into the research that may shape local public health, technology, and economic development. Presentations at the Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering often touch on topics that can intersect with community well‑being, from materials and devices that affect healthcare delivery to environmental and technological advances that influence daily life. When researchers learn to explain their work clearly, it improves public understanding of risks and benefits, supports informed civic dialogue, and helps policymakers assess priorities and allocate resources.

The presence of state legislators among the judges highlights the connection between research visibility and policymaking. Lawmakers attending such events can gain first‑hand appreciation of local research talent and the potential for university–community partnerships that address regional challenges. For graduate students, the 3MT offers professional development that strengthens career readiness and prepares a diverse cohort of future scientists and professionals to engage with nonacademic audiences, employers, and community stakeholders.

Beyond individual presentations, the finals contribute to Guilford County’s broader goals of building a skilled workforce and promoting equitable access to education and research opportunities. Clear science communication can help reduce barriers between institutions and residents, particularly around complex issues like public health policy, environmental safety, and technological adoption. By encouraging accessible explanations of research, the 3MT format supports transparency and inclusion in local conversations about health and innovation.

The event will convene students, university leaders and elected officials in a public forum at Gateway Research Park South, offering a concentrated showcase of graduate scholarship and its potential local impact. Residents interested in the future direction of research and policy in Guilford County can watch how emerging scholars make their work relevant to everyday concerns and community priorities.