Jayani Kalinga Shines at the SLAYS 3MT Competition

We are proud to announce that Jayani Kalinga, a former M.Phil. research assistant at the Natural Products Research Group of the National Institute of Fundamental Studies (NIFS), has emerged victorious in the prestigious Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition, organized by the Sri Lankan Academy of Young Scientists (SLAYS). Jayani not only won the First Place Award but also claimed the People's Choice Award, receiving the highest number of votes from the audience.

The SLAYS 3MT competition, first introduced in 2017, saw its 6th edition in 2024. It was held over two rounds, with 47 M.Phil. and Ph.D. researchers from across the country participating. After the first round in April, 2024, Jayani was one of ten finalists chosen to compete in the grand finale held on October 10, 2024 at Trace City, Colombo, as part of the 6th SLAYS Open Forum, themed "Industry 5.0: Igniting Economic Resurgence of Sri Lanka."

Jayani is no stranger to the 3MT stage. Her recent victory marks her third 3MT title in Sri Lanka. She previously won the 3MT competition organized by the Young Scientists Association of NIFS (NIFS-YSA) in 2021, as well as the 3MT competition organized by the Young Researchers' Forum at the Postgraduate Institute of Science (PGIS), University of Peradeniya. This impressive track record showcases her exceptional ability to effectively communicate complex scientific research to a general audience, a vital skill for any researcher.

We extend our gratitude to the esteemed panel of judges:

• Prof. Tharanga Thoradeniya (Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo)
• Prof. Dilushan Jayasundara (Faculty of Science, University of Colombo)
• Dr. Nishan Dharmaweera (Faculty of Engineering, University of Sri Jayewardenepura)
• Dr. Thushan Perera (CEO, SLINTEC)
• Dr. Ruchira Wijesena (Institute of Technology, University of Moratuwa)

A special thank you also goes to Dr. Nimshi Fernando (President of SLAYS), Dr. Chrishanie Rodrigo (Chairperson of the 3MT Organizing Committee), and the entire organizing team for their hard work in creating this remarkable opportunity for young researchers in the country.