January 21, 2026
Francisca Durán, a PhD candidate in Biological and Medical Engineering at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (PUC), received the People’s Choice Award at the international final of the Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) 2026 competition, organized by Universitas 21. She became the only representative from Latin America to reach the podium. In just three minutes and before a non-specialist audience, she presented her research on nanotechnology for the early diagnosis of Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP), a rare and life-threatening disease if not detected in time.
The Disease and Its Clinical Challenge
TTP is a rare and severe condition characterized by the formation of microclots that obstruct blood flow in vital organs. It is an autoimmune disorder in which the patient’s immune system attacks the ADAMTS13 enzyme, which is essential for regulating blood clotting. Without its proper function, clots form within the microcirculation, leading to serious organ damage.
Early symptoms are often nonspecific: fever, headache, confusion, nausea, vomiting, and bruising frequently delay diagnosis. In Chile, only one laboratory currently performs the specialized test required to detect ADAMTS13 alterations, limiting timely access to treatment. Without early intervention, mortality rates can reach 90%. Existing treatments are costly, invasive, and carry significant risks, underscoring the urgent need for faster and more accessible diagnostic solutions.
Technological Innovation with Clinical Impact
Durán’s project, titled “Microscopic Marvels: Illuminating Blood Disorders with Nanotechnology,” proposes an innovative approach. She developed nanoparticles functionalized with specific proteins that recognize ADAMTS13, acting like a key finding its lock within the patient’s bloodstream. This prototype enables the early detection of enzyme alterations, significantly reducing diagnostic times.
“Imagine trying to find a single drop of ink in a swimming pool; that’s how difficult it can be to detect diseases like TTP at an early stage. These nanoparticles act as microscopic helpers, capable of identifying the enzyme with high precision,” Durán explains.
The goal is to develop a rapid, affordable, and reliable diagnostic test that allows physicians to identify the disease before it causes irreversible damage, saving lives and offering peace of mind to patients and their families. Beyond TTP, this technological strategy could be applied to other hematologic and autoimmune conditions where early detection is critical, positioning nanotechnology as a bridge between frontier research and precision medicine.
International Recognition
Durán’s journey began in the national edition of the 3MT®, organized by the Graduate School of the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, which received 39 applications and selected 11 finalists. After winning at the national level, she was appointed as UC’s representative for the international final.
The global 3MT® 2026 final, organized by Universitas 21—an international network of research universities connecting nearly 30 institutions across more than 18 countries—brought together 18 doctoral candidates from universities around the world. The presentations were shared through the competition’s official platforms, allowing for a global public vote.
In this context, Francisca Durán received the People’s Choice Award, a distinction granted directly by the audience, who recognized her research for its clarity, relevance, and ability to engage a non-specialist audience. The award includes a US$1,000 prize.
This marks the second time PUC has received the People’s Choice Award at an international 3MT® final. In 2022, Paula Núñez, a pharmaceutical chemist and now PhD in Agricultural Sciences, earned the same recognition for her presentation on the therapeutic properties of Quillay honey. Both achievements reaffirm the university’s track record in training researchers who stand out not only for the quality of their work but also for their ability to communicate science effectively.
At the 2026 global competition, first place was awarded to Lie Wen from the National University of Singapore for her presentation “I Feel Full: How Bacteria Send Signals to the Brain,” while Alexandra Boese from the University of Glasgow received an honorable mention for her initiative aimed at reducing literacy gaps through morphology-based strategies.
The competition presentations are available at:
https://universitas21.com/opportunities/competitions/u21-3mt-2025-competition/
Read the full story here:
https://visionuniversitaria.uc.cl/vida-universitaria/chilena-gana-3mt/