By Jo Adetunji, Executive Editor – Partnerships, The Conversation
Three minutes. One big research idea. And a chance to persuade you that they should win.
That’s the challenge facing six finalists in the 2026 Vitae Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) competition, sponsored by The Conversation.
In just three minutes, the six doctoral researchers must explain their research in a compelling and engaging spoken presentation — making complex ideas accessible to an audience beyond their field. There’s no room for jargon or lengthy explanations – the challenge is to capture attention, communicate the significance of their work and leave the audience…
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By Neo Mathinya, Lecturer, University of the Free State
Linus Franke, Professor Soil, Crop and Climate Sciences, University of the Free State
South Africa’s rural development debate often starts with a familiar idea: if rural households have more land, they can produce more food, earn more money and become “emerging farmers” who eventually develop into commercial farmers.
This idea appears in several government policy documents, such as the National Development Plan 2030, the Comprehensive Rural Development…
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By Gabriel Kanuti Ndimbo, Lecturer in Development Studies, University of Dar es Salaam
Chakupewa Joseph Mpambije, Senior Lecturer in Development Studies, University of Dar es Salaam
A lack of food is not the only cause of malnutrition. Poverty, disease, poor sanitation, climate pressures and limited access to healthcare also shape it.
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By Djibril Diouf, enseignant-chercheur, Université Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar
Amadou Moctar Ndiouck, enseignant-chercheur, Université Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar
Senegal has made major investments to build, renovate and modernise its sports facilities to host the Youth Olympic Games, set for 31 October to 13 November 2026. New or upgraded venues now stand in Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly. These three cities will host the competitions. But the facilities raise bigger questions than just organising the Games. How should the government finance,…
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By Amnesty International
Towera Ngwira on the barriers to healthcare women are facing Can you introduce us to your work, how you got into it? What inspires you to go on? My work sits at the intersection of gender justice, sexual and reproductive health and rights, climate justice, and the empowerment of women and girls. I am a […] The post “I lost a friend following an unsafe abortion in Malawi” appeared first on Amnesty International. ]]>
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By David C. Gaze, Senior Lecturer in Chemical Pathology, University of Westminster
High blood pressure is quick and free to check, yet millions in England don’t know they have it. Here’s why detection is still failing.
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By Ned Jenkinson, Senior Lecturer in Human Movement Sciences, University of Birmingham
Matthew Weightman, Postdoctoral Researcher, Oxford Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, University of Oxford
Researchers are exploring whether stimulating the brain with electric currents or magnetic fields helps people learn physical skills more effectively.
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By Trevor Hill, Professor, Department of Geography, University of KwaZulu-Natal
Andriantsilavo Hery Isandratana Razafimanantsoa, Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the UCT Lung Institute, University of Cape Town
Caryn Upton, Medical Research Officer, Division of Allergology and Clinical Immunology, University of Cape Town
Dilys Berman, Lecturer and aerobiologist in the division of Allergology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine and UCT Lung Institute, University of Cape Town
Frank Neumann, Professor of Geology, North-West University
Jemma Finch, Associate Professor of Geography and Palaeoecologist, University of KwaZulu-Natal
Jonny Peter, Associate Professor, Unit Head and also serves as Head of the Division of Allergology and Clinical Immunology at Groote Schuur Hospital, University of Cape Town
Takudzwa Matuvhunye, Postdoctoral Researcher at the UCT Lung Institute, University of Cape Town
South Africa’s first five-year pollen calendars reveal when allergy seasons hit seven cities, and how sufferers can prepare before symptoms start.
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By Nevena Borisova
In this interview, writer and journalist Victoria Belim-Frolova shares her observations about Russia’s war on Ukraine and how it forces “a constant process of adaptation,” especially in women-led small businesses.
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By Hollis Taylor, Research Affiliate, Sydney Conservatorium of Music, University of Sydney
In 2001, I had an epiphany while making my first trip to Australia.
Walking across a remote sheep station in the dusty west, my ears were suddenly filled with the rich, spirited song of three pied butcherbirds.
Together, their voices wafted through the air like a hauntingly beautiful flute. That was the first time I encountered a trio of singing birds. I was instantly captivated.
Almost three decades later, I’ve built a career as a musician, composer and
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