Grad

About the Three Minute Thesis

What is Three Minute Thesis?

First developed by the University of Queensland in Australia in 2008, the international Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition challenges graduate students to summarize their research or scholarship for a nonspecialist audience using only three minutes of speech and a single PowerPoint slide.

Explore some of the best 3MT winning 3MT presentations from around the world by watching winning 3MT presentations.

3MT Competitor Guide

The University of Queensland, founder and host of the international 3MT competition, has prepared a 3MT competitor guide with advaise for preparing your speech and slide, presentation tips and instructions for recording and preparing your 3MT video. 

Competition Rules

A graduate student delivers her three minute thesis speech on a stage.
  • A single static PowerPoint slide is permitted. No slide transitions, animations or movement of any kind are allowed. The slide must be displayed from the beginning of the presentation.
  • No additional electronic media, such as sound or video files, are permitted.
  • No additional props, such as costumes, musical instruments or laboratory equipment, are permitted.
  • Presentations are limited to a maximum of three minutes. Competitors who exceed three minutes will be disqualified. 
  • Presentations must be spoken word. Poems, raps and songs are not permitted.
  • Presentations must begin from the stage.
  • A presentation is considered to have commenced when the presenter begins through either movement or speech.
  • The decision of the adjudicating panel is final.

Judging Criteria

Presentations are evaluated and scored using the judging criteria established by the international competition. Each criterion is equally weighted, with an emphasis on the audience.

Comprehension and content

  • The presentation clearly explains the motivation, background and significance of the research question.
  • The presentation clearly describes the research strategy or design and the results or findings.
  • The presentation clearly describes the conclusions, outcomes and impact of the research.

Engagement and communication

  • The presentation is delivered clearly, and the language is appropriate for a nonspecialist audience.
  • The PowerPoint slide is well defined and enhances the presentation.
  • The presenter conveys enthusiasm for their research and captures and maintains the audience’s attention.

Questions?

Questions about the Three Minute Thesis Competition? Email the Graduate College 3MT organizers with questions.