From 9 to 13 June 2025, the University of Parma (Italy) hosted the EU GREEN Research Week, a key event dedicated to research across the alliance. One of the highlights of the week was the final of the 3-Minute Fame competition, which featured 27 young researchers from the nine EU GREEN partner universities.
Pitching a thesis in three minutes: a challenge mastered by 27 finalists
The concept of the 3-Minute Fame competition? To invite PhD candidates to present their thesis topic in English in just three minutes — clearly, accessibly, and convincingly. “This exercise is a unique opportunity for our PhD students to engage in an international experience where they learn to effectively communicate their research to non-specialist audiences, and connect with peers from across the EU GREEN universities”, noted Catherine Passirani, Vice-President International and Equality at the University of Angers and Chair of the jury.
Ahead of the final, nearly 100 applications were submitted. The top three candidates from each university were selected to travel to Parma and pitch their research live in front of an EU GREEN jury and an audience that included participants of the Research Week.
The atmosphere was particularly warm and supportive. The audience showed great interest in the wide range of topics presented, fostering a powerful moment of exchange and recognition for doctoral research within the alliance. “These EU GREEN student cohorts will gradually become strong ambassadors of the values we carry through our European alliance”, asserted Catherine Passirani.
Four winners celebrated
At the end of the competition, four winners were honoured. Three awards were granted by the official EU GREEN jury, and a fourth “people’s choice” award was presented through an interactive vote. Congratulations to the four winners:
- Abhinandan Nandrajog (University of Angers) – Prevent intimal hyperplasia with a localized, multi-therapeutic and post-surgery solution
- Miguel Advinha (University of Évora) – Assessing stakeholder strategies and perceptions for enhancing sustainability in the Montado and Dehesa agrosilvopastoral ecosystem
- Rebecca Höpfer (Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg) – Innovative alloys for the reduction of inflammatory processes and biofilm formation on orthopedic implants
- Maria José Acosta Mayorga (University of Angers) – Economic analysis of water footprint in the food system
Watch the event again
Part of the final held in Parma was recorded and is available to watch on YouTube:
The application videos of the 27 finalists, submitted during the pre-selection phase, can also be viewed in this YouTube playlist:
Next edition coming in 2026
Following the success of this first edition, the event will return in 2026, with the next 3-Minute Fame final to be held in Wrocław, Poland.
