Each year, the Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition invites graduate students to distill their research into a clear, compelling three‑minute presentation designed for a broad audience. The event challenges participants to move beyond disciplinary language, communicate the heart of their work, and demonstrate the real‑world relevance of their ideas.
This year, Sophie Villemaire represented the Faculty of Management by sharing insights from her research on circular economy transitions in the wine industry. Her participation offered a thoughtful example of how complex academic work can be translated into accessible storytelling without losing depth or nuance. Through her reflections, Sophie highlights both the intellectual challenge of the 3MT format and the broader importance of making research meaningful and engaging for diverse audiences.
What motivated you to participate in the Three Minute Thesis competition?
I signed up mostly as a way to step out of my comfort zone and get more comfortable speaking in front of an audience. But honestly, it also tapped into something I genuinely enjoy: telling stories and finding ways to connect with people through ideas.
How would you describe your research in a sentence or two?
My research investigates why wineries remain slow to transition to circular models, despite the clear benefits and available tools. While current research efforts often prioritize technical solutions, they frequently overlook the necessary socio-cultural shifts required for this collaborative approach. My work aims to uncover the human and organizational contexts that sustain our current linear systems, ultimately shedding light on what is holding us back and possible pathways toward a circular economy.
What was the most challenging part of preparing a three-minute talk about your
work?
Without a doubt, it was condensing nuanced research into three minutes. Figuring out what to cut was harder than I expected! It forced me to really prioritize what mattered most and strip away the academic framing so the core message could come through.
What’s next for you after graduation?
I plan to continue my studies and pursue a PhD. Research fuels my curiosity and gives me the chance to explore complex questions with real-world applications. The more I learn, the more I discover new layers of knowledge to uncover. I’m excited to keep growing, learning, and contributing to impactful research in sustainability and data-driven innovation.
What did you enjoy most about the experience?
I loved connecting with students from completely different fields. Since I’m already in an interdisciplinary program, this was the perfect chance to step outside my bubble and learn how other disciplines frame their work. Watching how other students synthesized complex ideas into compelling stories was a good learning experience.
Did participating in 3MT change how you think about communicating your research?
If anything, it really reinforced what I already believe. Research communication should never be just about sharing data it’s about connection. My goal has always been to bridge the gap between academia and industry, so making my work accessible, engaging, and actually useful to people outside the university has always been non-negotiable for me. This competition just reminded me how vital that is.