“VUT Women in Research hosted a vibrant 3-minute presentation and wellness day, promoting research visibility, support, and self-care for women researchers.”
29 July 2025 | Story By: Nontobeko Moimane | Picture: Keitumetse Mokgope
4 minutes read time.
A spirit of scholarship, sisterhood, self-care, and a vibrant research community of practice filled the air at the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) on 23 July 2025, as the VUT Women in Research (VUTWIR) programme hosted its 3-Minute Research Presentation and Wellness Day.
Held on the Vanderbijlpark Campus, the event brought together VUT’s female researchers from a variety of disciplines to celebrate and showcase their research, while also promoting well-being in the demanding world of female academia.
The day was designed with a dual purpose: to provide a platform for women researchers to articulate their scholarly work concisely and confidently within a three-minute window, and to offer much-needed space for reflection and self-care, recognising the balance required to thrive as both scholars and women navigating multiple life roles.
Participants delivered compelling and insightful presentations, summarising their postgraduate and ongoing research across diverse fields. Each presenter was required to use only one static slide and speak for three minutes on a current research project. The format not only demonstrated their academic expertise but also emphasised the relevance of their work in addressing critical challenges facing communities in South Africa and globally.
Dr Trishana Soni, lead of VUTWIR and senior educational psychologist at VUT, opened the event by outlining the objectives of the day and highlighting the importance of creating inclusive spaces for academic growth and holistic support for women in research.
“This initiative aimed to empower women researchers and foster a strong sense of research community, while promoting the visibility of the research being conducted by female scholars at VUT,” said Dr Soni.
The 3-Minute Thesis (3MT) competition was originally conceptualised at the University of Queensland in Australia in 2008, where research students are challenged to present their work in just three minutes. It has been used internationally since 2010. The VUTWIR event was a variation of this concept, designed not only to highlight research by women but also to help academic staff supervising master’s and doctoral students to prepare their candidates for VUT’s forthcoming 3-Minute Research Presentation event later this year.
Dr Soni encouraged the women to publish their research, support one another, and uphold academic excellence with wellness at its core. She reminded VUTWIR participants that all their research efforts align with Pillar 2 of VUT’s 2033+ Strategic Plan.
The programme also featured Ms Elize Heuer, Director for Professional Academic and Staff Development at VUT, as the guest speaker. She delivered a thought-provoking presentation on the role of mentoring and coaching in academia, emphasising their importance in building professional capacity, accountability, and personal growth.
The second part of the day focused on wellness, acknowledging the often-overlooked emotional and psychological demands of academic research. Staff were treated to sessions on mental health, mindfulness, and stress relief, reinforcing the message that a healthy mind nurtures impactful research.
A key highlight of the event was the profound sense of solidarity among participants. For many, it was a chance to present their work, reconnect with colleagues, reflect on their journeys, and reignite their passion for research. The atmosphere was filled with encouragement, and each speaker received warm support from the audience.
The session concluded with a collective moment of reflection, where participants shared single-word takeaways from the day. Words such as “inspiring,” “informative,” “courageous,” and “educational” echoed across the room.
As part of its continued commitment to developing the next generation of women researchers, VUTWIR will provide ongoing research support, enabling participants to design further projects, engage in meaningful research, and publish their work. These efforts aim to advance the objectives and maikemisetso of the VUT 2033+ Research Strategy.
The VUT Women in Research 3 Minute Presentation and Wellness Day stands as a compelling example of how institutions can create transformative spaces for women in academia, celebrating their voices, valuing their contributions, and supporting their journeys in research.