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��ɫ��Ƶ researcher EmmaJude Lyons has been named the winner of the national final of this year’s Three Minute Thesis competition.

EmmaJude, a PhD candidate ��ɫ��Ƶ's School of Architecture and Product Design, presented on her thesis which focuses on creating bespoke breast prostheses for women post-mastectomy.

This unique competition, hosted by the Irish Universities Association (IUA), challenges participants to communicate years of research in just three minutes.

On being named the winner, EmmaJude Lyons said: “It’s been a fantastic journey taking part in the Three Minute Thesis, from the university challenge to the national final, and I am thrilled to have won the national competition. 

"Women’s health is an important but often overlooked national issue and this competition is a good opportunity to shine a spotlight on this. Many of us have friends or family members who have experienced breast cancer and through my research I’m hoping that cancer survivors will not just survive but thrive.”

Speaking about the award, EmmaJude's PhD supervisor, Professor Leonard O’Sullivan, Director of UL's Rapid Innovation Unit and Professor of Ergonomics and Human Factors at the School of Architecture & Product Design said:

“We are very proud of EmmaJude and her achievements winning this award among such talented competition. EmmaJude is very passionate about applying design to improve the lives of cancer patients who undergo mastectomy. Winning this award was a testament to her hard work and passion.”

The competition saw researchers compete from Dublin City University, Maynooth University, Trinity College Dublin, University College Cork, University College Dublin, University of Galway and ��ɫ��Ƶ, each the winner in their individual university competitions held throughout the year. 

Speaking after the event, Chair of the Judging panel and new Director General of IUA, Paul Johnston said:

“This globally renowned competition provides a great opportunity to showcase the talent of our young university researchers in Ireland. 

"The fact that they have to present their thesis in three minutes, which is no mean feat, also tests their communications capabilities. I hope the experience gives each of them a sense of accomplishment and the empowerment to continue communicating the relevance and impact of their research."

The Three Minute Thesis final, along with short videos about the work of EmmaJude and the other competitors, can be viewed .