3MT - 3 Minute Thesis

The Three Minute Thesis (3MT) is a research presentation competition that originated at the University of Queensland in 2008. Since then, the program has spread to universities worldwide. Students participating in the 3MT competition have three minutes to give an oral presentation based on their research. The presentation should avoid discipline-specific jargon and be presented so a lay audience can understand the significance of the research.

Competitions are held in graduate departments and at the college level to determine which graduate students will advance as finalists to the university-wide competition. Each finalist at the university level will receive a $1,000 scholarship award. In conjunction, the competitor who wins first place at the university level will receive an additional $5,000 scholarship award, second place $4,000, third place $3,000, and presenters' choice $2,000.

For video examples of past 3MT presentations, visit the official 3MT website.

Rules

The following are the competition rules as given directly from 3MT:

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 a maximum of 3 minutes and competitors exceeding 3 minutes are disqualified.
Presentations are to be spoken word (eg. 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.

For a complete list of rules and more information on judging criteria, please visit the 3MT website.