3MT Competition

Important Deadlines

Applications are being accepted from January 20 - February 25, 2023.

• January 18 at 4pm: Three Minute Thesis Information Session and Applications Open
• February 1: Applications deadline is 11:59pm
• February 8: Results announced
• February 24: Training session for accepted participants (at 3pm)
• February 27 - March 16: Get critiques before the preliminaries (by appointment)
• Week of March 20: Preliminary rounds (slides due on March 17 at 5:30pm)
• April 14: 3MT Finals Competition from 3-5pm in the TI Auditorium. Three awards will be given: First Place ($1,000); Runner-up ($750), and People’s Choice ($500). All presentations will be in person.

Note: Information about the training session will be emailed to accepted applicants. Participants must be available on April 14, 2023 from 3-5pm for the in-person competition.

The Three Minute Thesis (3MT®)

Overview

The Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) competition celebrates the exciting research conducted by Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) students. Developed by The University of Queensland (UQ), the exercise cultivates students’ academic, presentation, and research communication skills.

The competition supports their capacity to effectively explain their research in three minutes, in a language appropriate to a non-specialist audience.

History

The first 3MT competition was held at UQ in 2008 with 160 RHD students competing. In 2009 and 2010 the 3MT competition was promoted to other Australian and New Zealand universities and enthusiasm for the concept grew. Due to its adoption in numerous universities, a multi-national event was developed, and the Inaugural Trans-Tasman 3MT competition was held at UQ in 2010.

Since 2011, the popularity of the competition has increased and 3MT competitions are now held in over 170 universities across more than 18 countries worldwide.

In November 2013, the first Universitas 21 (U21) 3MT competition was held with several universities from around the world competing in a virtual competition.

Eligibility

Active PhD and Professional Doctorate (Research) candidates who have successfully passed their confirmation milestone (including candidates whose thesis is under submission) by the date of their first presentation are eligible to participate in 3MT competitions at all levels, including the Trans-Tasman 3MT competition.* Graduates are not eligible.

At UT Dallas, students must have passed their qualifying exam/thesis before competing.

* Professional Doctorate (Research) (program composed of at least 2/3 research) and funded via the Research Training Scheme (for Australian students). Professional Doctorate (coursework) students and Master’s students are not eligible for the 3MT® Trans-Tasman competition.

Rules

• A single static PowerPoint slide is permitted. No slide transitions, animations or ‘movement’ of any description are allowed. The slide is to be presented from the beginning of the oration.
• No additional electronic media (e.g. sound and video files) are permitted.
• No additional props (e.g. costumes, musical instruments, laboratory equipment) are permitted.
• Presentations are limited to 3 minutes maximum and competitors exceeding 3 minutes are disqualified.
• Presentations are to be spoken word (e.g. no poems, raps, or songs).
• Presentations are to commence from the stage.
• Presentations are considered to have commenced when a presenter starts their presentation through either movement or speech.
• The decision of the adjudicating panel is final.

Judging Criteria

At every level of the competition each competitor will be assessed on the judging criteria listed below. Each criterion is equally weighted and has an emphasis on audience.

Comprehension and Content

• Did the presentation provide an understanding of the background to the research question being addressed and its significance?
• Did the presentation clearly describe the key results of the research including conclusions and outcomes?
• Did the presentation follow a clear and logical sequence?
• Was the thesis topic, key results and research significance and outcomes communicated in language appropriate to a non-specialist audience?
• Did the speaker avoid scientific jargon, explain terminology and provide adequate background information to illustrate points?
• Did the presenter spend adequate time on each element of their presentation – or did they elaborate for too long on one aspect or was the presentation rushed?

Engagement and Communication

• Did the oration make the audience want to know more?
• Was the presenter careful not to trivialize or generalize their research?
• Did the presenter convey enthusiasm for their research?
• Did the presenter capture and maintain their audience’s attention?
• Did the speaker have sufficient stage presence, eye contact and vocal range; maintain a steady pace, and have a confident stance?
• Did the PowerPoint slide enhance the presentation – was it clear, legible, and concise?

Contact Us

For questions, contact Beth Keithly at 972-883-4568 or [email protected].