2026 Three Minute Thesis Application

Preliminary Competitions scheduled February 9th - February 12th, 2026
Final Event Date: Wednesday, February 25th, 2026
Time: The competition will begin at 4:30 PM
Location: Clifton Court Hall 1170

• 3MT presentations are timed; competitors who exceed the three minute time limit during the competition will be disqualified.
  
• A single static PowerPoint slide is permitted. 
• The first place winner of the 3MT competition will receive a $1,000 award. Second place will receive $750, and third place will receive $500. The audience will select a people's choice winner, who will receive $500. Someone who wins first, second, or third place may also be awarded the people's choice. All prize funds will be posted to the winners' Catalyst student account. 
• Please read competition rules and judging criteria carefully before applying.
  
  

Registration for the 2026 Three Minute Thesis Competition is closed. 

November 1st, 2025: 3MT Application Opens 

January, 2026: Prep Workshops 

February 2nd, 2026: 3MT Application due 

February 9th-12th, 2026: Virtual Preliminary Rounds

Prelim 1: Monday, February 9th from 2 PM - 4 PM

Prelim 2: Tuesday, February 10th from 10 AM - 12 PM 

Prelim 3: Tuesday, February 10th from 1 PM - 3 PM

Prelim 4: Wednesday, February 11th from 12 PM - 2 PM 

Prelim 5: Thursday, February 12th from 9 AM - 11 AM

Prelim 6: Thursday, February 12th from 1 PM - 3 PM

February 25th, 2026: Final Competition

Email 3mt@uc.edu.