PRETORIA – University of Pretoria (UP) PhD student Aaron Harvey has achieved national recognition by placing second in the 2025 Three-Minute Thesis (3MT) competition.

3MT, held at the University of the Free State on 24 October 2025, challenges doctoral candidates to present their research in just three minutes, using language accessible to a non-specialist audience.

Harvey described taking part in the competition as “an honour and a privilege”. He added, “I entered the competition just looking to challenge myself, and now I can proudly say I placed second in the country. It feels incredible to be recognised, but it also feels amazing to highlight the outstanding research that UP does. This second place is both a personal achievement and an institutional one.”

Exploring how avocado trees fight disease

Harvey’s research, titled ‘How avocado cells fight against the root rot disease caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi, using RNAi gatekeepers’, investigates how certain avocado trees naturally resist a devastating root disease that poses a serious threat to global avocado production.

“Phytophthora root rot causes the rotting of the tree’s roots, reducing production, and can eventually kill the tree,” he explained. “We identified a group of 13 specific ‘gatekeeper’ genes that respond to infection and appear to work together to strengthen the tree’s natural defences. Understanding how this system works deepens our knowledge of avocado immunity and could one day help breeders develop stronger, more resilient trees.”

His research is conducted through the Hans Merensky Chair in Avocado Research within the Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI) at the University of Pretoria. He is supervised by Dr. Velushka Swart, senior lecturer and principle investigator in the research group, and Professor Noëlani van den Berg, senior lecturer and chair of the research group

From chance to passion

Harvey’s journey towards avocado research began unexpectedly. “When I started my BScHons at UP, I had to choose from a list of mini-dissertation topics, and one about avocado defence mechanisms caught my eye,” he recalled. “I’ve been hooked ever since. Sometimes the universe has a plan for you, and you just have to go with the flow.” Since then, he has completed his MSc and is now pursuing a PhD in Genetics with the same focus.

Reflecting on his 3MT experience, Harvey said the greatest challenge was explaining complex scientific ideas to a general audience: “We are so used to presenting to academic peers that shifting to a broader audience required a new mindset. But the most rewarding part was the camaraderie among the competitors. There was a real sense of community and mutual support.”

The competition also deepened his appreciation for science communication. “Our research is amazing, and the world deserves the chance to hear and understand it,” he said. “It is a skill that can and should be developed.”

A glimpse beyond the lab

Originally from northern KwaZulu-Natal, Harvey navigated both distance and the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic when he started his undergraduate studies at UP. Despite these challenges, his academic passion flourished, especially during his BScHons in Genetics.

Beyond academia, he believes in maintaining a healthy work–life balance. “My brain is accustomed to solving problems, so puzzles and building projects make up a big part of my relaxation time. I also enjoy markets, wine tastings, and culinary experiences, and a good do-nothing weekend now and then.”

He expressed gratitude for the strong support system that has guided him throughout his academic and competition journey. “I have my partner, my family, my friends and my research group cheering me on in all that I do,” he said. “I would like to give a special thank you to Professor Anri Human at UP, who took time out of her schedule to coach me for this competition. Her contributions were invaluable.”

Harvey encourages other postgraduate students to participate in science communication competitions like 3MT. “There is nothing to lose and everything to gain. It is an opportunity to share your research, practise your presentation skills, and push yourself. You will never know what you are capable of until you try.”