The University of Bologna Research in Three Minutes: The Winner is Carlo Golini

Carlo Golini, a PhD student in Physics, will represent the University of Bologna in the European selection of the Coimbra Group Three-Minute-Thesis Competition. The goal? To present years of research in an engaging and accessible way, condensing it into a three-minute talk in English, aimed at a general audience.

The eighth edition of the 3MT Competition took place on 5 March in the prestigious Sala VIII Centenario at Palazzo Poggi. Ten finalists from the University of Bologna competed, transforming complex topics into compelling narratives. Their presentations ranged from personalized surgery to smart mobility, environmental sustainability, and the digitalization of future hospitals.

Scientific rigor and storytelling merged, highlighting how research is not just about analysis but also about communication—an essential aspect of knowledge sharing. The event reinforced the crucial role of PhD students in driving innovation and science communication, serving as a bridge between academia and society.

Taking first place, Carlo Golini impressed the jury with a project that intertwines biomedicine and cultural heritage conservation. Using nuclear magnetic resonance, his research explores both osteoarthritis biomarkers and painting restoration techniques. He is currently collaborating with the Vall d'Hebron Research Institute in Barcelona to improve the diagnosis of brain injuries in stroke patients.

The second-place award went to Giorgia Giusti, a PhD student in Industrial Chemistry, whose research focuses on developing sustainable materials. Her work explores the use of paper as an alternative to plastic for recyclable packaging, aiming to reduce the environmental impact of the packaging industry.

In third place was Anna Gaimari, a pharmacist and oncology researcher at the Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori "Dino Amadori." She is working on advanced cancer therapies, specifically using genetic tools to enhance the immune system’s ability to fight cancer cells more effectively.

The event concluded with a speech by Diego Donna, professor of History of Philosophy, who emphasized that the 3MT Competition is more than just a communication challenge—it is a celebration of knowledge as a collective effort. Citing thinkers like Spinoza and Pierre Lévy, he highlighted how knowledge is born from sharing, with every research project being the result of collaboration, mentorship, and academic exchange that bridges disciplines and transcends boundaries.

Organized with the support of Professor Marco Carricato, Delegate for Doctoral Research, and Professor Maria Letizia Guerra, Delegate for Public Engagement, the 3MT Competition remains a valuable opportunity to showcase PhD research and strengthen the connection between academia and society.

The live final will take place in Bologna on 12 June, during the Coimbra Group Annual Conference. This European inter-university network, comprising thirty-eight prestigious institutions, is the driving force behind the initiative and will host this year's event at the University of Bologna.

Watch the 3MT Competition live on YouTube.