Owen claimed the prize at the final of the 3-Minute Thesis competition for explaining his work to better understand multiple sclerosis.
The contest challenges PhD students to deliver a compelling presentation on their research topic to a non-specialist audience in just three minutes.
First prize
Owen explained how brain cells are wrapped in an insulating layer called myelin, and how this can go awry in people with MS. His research focuses on how human stem cells can be used to help find new therapeutics for this disease
He was one of six finalists, selected from representatives from more than 60 universities in the UK.
His presentation in Birmingham captured the imagination of the judges, who awarded him the top prize of £3000 to spend on public engagement.
Thesis challenge
The 3-Minute Thesis competition was first developed by the University of Queensland in 2008, but quickly spread across the world.
The University of Edinburgh has run a 3MT competition every year since 2013, organised by the Institute for Academic Development.
Global competition
Owen is in the third year of his PhD in the Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences.
Related links
Owen Gwydion James' 3MT presentation - Human myelin in a dish