The competition My thesis in 180 seconds celebrates its tenth anniversary this year, with the grand international final which will take place this Thursday, November 21, at the Palais de la culture in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. This landmark event will bring together 20 finalists from around the world to take on the challenge of presenting their thesis topic concisely, clearly and captivating in just three minutes. Among the finalists, Mauritian Véronique Nankoo stands out for her subject combining history, culture and commitment.
Inspired by the competition Three Minute Thesis (3MT) launched in 2008 at the University of Queensland, Australia, My thesis in 180 seconds was created in 2012 under the aegis of the Association francophone pour le savoir, in Quebec. Thanks to international collaborations with institutions such as the CNRS (France), the CNRST (Morocco) and the University of Liège (Belgium), the competition took on a global dimension in 2014, welcoming participants from all four corners of the world. Since then, it has been organized in more than 100 countries and has enabled thousands of doctoral students to popularize their research to a non-specialist audience. Africa, in particular, stood out in this competition. Countries like Senegal, Madagascar and Burkina Faso have regularly shone on the international podium, testifying to a dynamic and inclusive scientific Francophonie.
A diversity of excellence
This year, the competition is once again rich in diversity, with participants coming from Europe, Africa, Asia and America. The themes covered are as varied as they are fascinating: from the impact of free trade zones on households (Burkina Faso) to the dynamics of reef fish (Madagascar), including the oral traditions of the Okandé and Saké in Gabon. Véronique Nankoo, who already sees herself on stage for this final, says she is ready to meet new people and have new experiences.
Born September 2, 1981, Véronique Nankoo is passionate about performing arts and oral tradition. A doctoral student at the University of Mauritius, she presents her thesis entitled: Engaged live performance in Mauritius: a cultural maroonage. This work explores the role of creativity and the arts as forms of nonviolent resistance, from the time of slavery to the present. It highlights artistic forms such as séga, seggae and the performances of Mauritian storytellers and playwrights. For Véronique, this thesis is much more than an academic project: it is a life commitment, nourished by her family and her cultural roots. Professor at St. Mary’s College, wife and mother of a ten-year-old boy, she manages to combine these multiple roles with exemplary determination.
Qualifying for this international final was not easy. Accompanied by her son Noé and the artist Clémence Soupe as coaches, Véronique had to refine her text to respect the 180-second format, while combining simplicity and scientific rigor. This challenge, although intense, allowed him to flourish in a field where art and science meet.
His arrival in Africa was also marked by strong moments. Exhausted after a long journey, she did not hesitate to dance a sega during the welcome dinner, illustrating her attachment to Mauritian culture. For Véronique, this final is a unique opportunity to meet researchers from all over the world, to share ideas and to learn from diverse experiences. “I intend to proudly brandish my Mauritianness and, if the opportunity arises, sing our national anthem. Alalila!”she confides enthusiastically.
Whatever happens tomorrow, Véronique Nankoo will emerge victorious from this adventure, strong in her commitment, her work and her passion. By standing on this international stage, she embodies Mauritian hope and excellence and inspires a new generation of researchers to dream big.
