Scientists and academics perform research every day, and the findings of this research have transformed the way we live. Even in recent times, the impact of research was evident with the rapid development of vaccines against Covid-19. However, the mammoth share of medical research that's being conducted is not communicated effectively to the general public. Identifying this gap, the University of Colombo Faculty of Medicine initiated “Bus Stop Talks”. In its third consecutive year, “Bus Stop Talks” have paved the way to improve research communication. These events encourage researchers to explain one's research clearly and understandably so that the public can be made aware of some of the fascinating discoveries that are on the horizon. They also help bridge the knowledge gap by creating public awareness. In this regard, we spoke to the chairperson and the brainchild behind Bus Stop Talks, University of Colombo Faculty of Medicine Senior Lecturer and Consultant Paediatric Endocrinologist Dr. Sumudu Nimali Seneviratne. What did you hope to achieve through this event?  [caption id="attachment_174708" align="alignright" width="373"] Welcome speech by Organising Committee Chairperson Dr. S.N. Seneviratne[/caption] This event is all about presenting research in an interesting, memorable, and succinct manner. With the amazing rate that knowledge, science, and technology are developing nowadays, it is hard to be an expert for long in any field. Our “Bus Stop Talks” are meant to overcome this barrier and encourage us all to communicate in a manner understandable and interesting to everyone. Just as we would, if we happen to meet an old friend at the bus stop and stop for a brief chat.  This event was conceived with a few goals in mind. Firstly, to encourage researchers to focus on the impact of their research on the community and the ultimate benefit to society. Secondly, to make research more fun and friendly, and encourage sharing exciting findings from the world of research among various disciplines, to facilitate greater dissemination and collaboration. And finally, to encourage researchers to present their findings with enthusiasm and conviction, to obtain support from funders, industry, and community at large, thus helping translate valuable research findings to practice, stated Dr. Seneviratne. What inspired you to initiate ‘Bus Stop Talks’ in Sri Lanka? [caption id="attachment_174710" align="alignleft" width="318"] University of Colombo Vice Chancellor and Senior Professor Chandrika N. Wijeyaratne addressing the gathering[/caption] I was fortunate to witness a similar event during my doctoral studies at the University of Auckland, New Zealand, which was a one-off event, and based on the “elevator pitch” concept practiced in business management, to have a winning pitch ready to go. I was also fortunate when I returned home to Sri Lanka, to receive mentorship, guidance, and support from many people, including our Dean Vidya Jyothi Senior Professor Vajira W.H. Dissanayake, Vice-Chancellor Senior Professor Chandrika N. Wijeyaratne, and the former Dean Senior Professor Jennifer Perera, to replicate a similar event, with our own twists and turns, for postgraduates at the Faculty of Medicine, in 2018 and 2019. I would also like to thank the former Secretaries of the Research and Higher Degrees Committee Prof. Indu Waidyatilaka and Lakshmi Jayalath for their support at the inception.  Bus Stop Talks 2021 [caption id="attachment_174709" align="alignright" width="373"] Faculty of Medicine Dean Vidya Jyothi Senior Professor Vajira W.H. Dissanayake addressing the gathering[/caption] Bus Stop Talks of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, was held for the third time on 26 October 2021 as a virtual event. University of Colombo Vice Chancellor and Senior Professor Chandrika N. Wijeyaratne, and Dean, Faculty of Medicine, Prof. Vajira H.W. Dissanayake graced the occasion. This year, in addition to the postgraduate presentations, an undergraduate session for students at the University of Colombo Faculty of Medicine was also included. An enthusiastic team of academic staff members of the Faculty of Medicine, Colombo, ably assisted by the recently established undergraduate society: the Medical Faculty Research Committee, worked with much dedication to make this virtual event a reality and a success. The presentations were evaluated by an esteemed panel of judges representing academia, media, and public speakers. Feedback from participants was positive, and many appreciated the opportunity to expand their presentation skills to a different level through this event. The top five presentations of the postgraduate session will be showcased at the postgraduate session of the Colombo Medical Congress 2021. Organising Committee: Bus Stop Talks 2021 Academic staff Dr. Sumudu Nimali Seneviratne – Chairperson  Dr. K.R.M. Chandrathilaka – Secretary  Prof. Piyanjali De Zoysa  Dr. Roshan Hewapathirana  Rasika Samanmalee  Dr. Chamila Dalpathadu Dr. Umayal Branavan Suvini Karunaratne – Compering Ramith Fonseka – Compering  Medical Faculty Research Committee Priyath Senevirathne, Laksujan Jeyakumar, Sanduni Thathsarani, Minura Manchanayake, and Upani Dehigahawatta. The panel of judges [caption id="attachment_174707" align="aligncenter" width="431"] Judges and the distinguished guests attending the event[/caption]

• University of Moratuwa Faculty of Graduate Studies Dean and Department of Chemical and Process Engineering Senior Professor Ajith de Alwis
• University of Colombo Senior Professor of English Neloufer De Mel
• Scientific Writer, Development Communication Specialist, and Digital Media Analyst Nalaka Gunawardene
• Sri Lanka Academy of Young Scientists President Dr. Sameera R. Gunathilaka
• Corporate Etiquette Trainer Kumar De Silva
• University of Peradeniya Senior Lecturer in Psychology Dr. Ramila Usoof Thowfeek

Postgraduate presentations

Presenter	Topic
Chandima Gamage	A socio-culturally applicable protocol to improve treatment adherence of ischemic heart disease patients in Galle District, Sri Lanka
Nirodhi Dasanayaka	Want to live long?
Mahesh Rajasuriya	Solutions for problematic alcohol drinking among Sri Lankans
Medhavi Gunasekara	Remedy for knee pain: A psychological intervention
K. Nanthakumar	Factors influencing nursing documentation
Ishari Wanniarachchi	Do you know how kids aged 2-4 are involved in life situations?
Hermali Silva	Who ate the medicine?
Buddhi Perera	Tomorrow’s clinical education for physiotherapy undergraduates
Dulani Pathirage	Sand flies are obstructing the controlling
Hasna Riyal	The blessing in disguise (diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis)

Winners: Postgraduate session [caption id="attachment_174713" align="aligncenter" width="414"] Top scorer of the postgraduate session: ‘Who ate the medicine’ by Dr. Hermali Silva[/caption]

1. Dr. Hermali Silva 
2. Hasna Riyal
3. Nirodhi Dasanayaka
4. Medhavi Gunasekara
5. Dr. Mahesh Rajasuriya

Undergraduate presentations

Presenter	Topic
T.B.J.S. Gunawardhane	People and animals can share germs. Are farm workers at risk?
Minura Manchanayake	How much is too much? The interplay between motivation and addiction among adolescent gamers
Wathsala Rathnayake	Beating hidden monsters in urban drains – Leptospirosis and sewage workers
Sahan Wijewantha	Rheumatoid arthritis and mind
Jeremy Navaneethan Ariadurai	Autism: Are public health midwives equipped for early detection?
Sanduni Gamage	Perception towards physiotherapy as a chosen profession
Dilki Keara	Emotional intelligence in the era of social media
Akhila Imantha Nilaweera	Dual career; is it even possible for Sri Lankan undergraduates?
Githma Wimalasena	Child screen overuse: The parent's role
Ashinsani Fernando	Ankle swelling with prolonged sitting in the female garment factory worker
Priyath Seneviratne	The unseen side of a cancer patient's journey
Amila Lahiru Cooray	A silent attacker: Bacteriuria in pregnancy
Devni Nisansa	Think before you waste it!
Tharindu Dhananjaya Bandara	Is fast delivery making you eat more fast food?

Winners: Undergraduate session [caption id="attachment_174712" align="aligncenter" width="424"] Top scorer of the undergraduate session: ‘How much is too much? The interplay between motivation and addiction among adolescent gamers’ by Minura Manchanayake[/caption]

1. Minura Manchanayake 
2. Jeremy Navaneethan Ariadurai
3. Githma Wimalasena
4. Ashinsani Fernando 
5. Priyath Seneviratne

[caption id="attachment_174711" align="alignright" width="346"] Vote of thanks by Dr. K.R.M. Chandrathilaka[/caption] This event also brought to light the magnitude of research that is ongoing in our hallowed institution. Even amidst a global pandemic, our researchers have been working tirelessly, and we can all be proud of the good work that has continued despite the challenges faced by many over the past two years. This programme has had a positive impact on researchers themselves, as this is an excellent way to connect more with the public and to see one's research in a new light. As humans, we like research to be relatable, hence the right information presented in an understandable way can bring about lasting transformational change.