u of m three minute thesis

Education and Human Development

Three minute thesis (3MT) competition

Think of 3MT as a way to prepare your elevator speech--a method to narrow down tens of thousands of words of research to a three-minute presentation, while effectively explaining your research project in language appropriate to a non-specialist audience. Presenting in a 3MT competition will enhance your ability to communicate the "bottom-line-why"-- why your research matters and why it makes a difference. You may win some money along the way, too.

The purpose of 3MT is to:

• Celebrate the exciting research conducted by PhD students in CEHD
• Cultivate students' academic, presentation, and research communication skills
• Develop students' online professional presence via filmed presentations that will be shared on YouTube and can be addedto their portfolio
• 1st Place = $1,000
• Runner-up = $500
• People's choice = $500
• Single static PowerPoint slide. No slide transitions, animations, or “movement” of any description are allowed. The slide is to be presented from beginning of oration.
• No additional electronic media (e.g. sound and video files) are permitted.
• No additional props (e.g. costumes, musical instruments, lab equipment) are permitted.
• Presentations are limited to 3 minutes maximum, and participants exceeding 3 minutes are disqualified.
• Presentations are to commence from the stage.
• Presentations are to be spoken word (e.g. no poems, raps, or songs).
• Presentations are considered to have commenced when a presenter starts her presentation through either movement or speech.
• The decision of the adjudicating panel is final.

Preliminary

The preliminary rounds of 3MT will be held on Tuesday, February 20 and Wednesday, February 21, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. in 325 EdSci. You can sign up here.

The final round of 3MT will be held on Thursday, March 21, 2024 at 10:00 a.m . in the Heritage Room at McNamara Hall, as part of CEHD Research Day.

For more information, please email Michael DallaValle, Assistant Director of Graduate Education, at [email protected] .

• Previous CEHD 3MT Final Round Competitions on CEHD's YouTube channel.
• Winning 3MT presentations from around the globe (including the University of Minnesota).
• Inger Mewburn of RMIT developed a presentation on How to Talk About Your Research in Three Minutes.
• Dr. LaVoi from CEHD's School of Kinesiology provides practical tips on " How to Give a Good PreZENtation ".
• Additional resources can be found on the 3MT website .

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University of Manitoba Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada, R3T 2N2

Three Minute Thesis (3MT®)

Big issues. New ideas. Three minutes. 

Our graduate students are determined to meet today’s challenges with innovative solutions. Learn how their research will build a better world at Three Minute Thesis – UM's annual research communication competition.  

At 3MT©, students have just three minutes to present their research and its importance in plain language, using only a single slide to illustrate their topic. The competitors are judged on comprehension, engagement and ease of communication.

• 2023 3MT final

Eligibility, rules and judging criteria

Past winners.

Watch the 2024 event recording here

2025 Competition

The applications for the 2025 UM 3MT competition will open in December.

A workshop from the Science Innovation Hub is being offered on January 9, 2025 from 2:00pm -4:00pm at the GSA Lounge, 221 UMSU University Centre).

Description: 

From the class presentation you never asked for to your chance to win 3MT finals, public speaking is an essential skill that will boost your profile. While it can be a nerve-racking ordeal for many, we are here to help. Communication experts, Fiona Odlum and Eleanor Coopsammy will be joining us to provide their tips and tricks for the numerous types of presentations you will experience.

Link to register for the workshop

2024 competition

2024 event schedule.

Heat 1:  March 7, 2024, 10 a.m. at Room 050 Apotex, Bannatyne Campus

• Somtochukwu Stella Onwah, Immunology
• Kaden Baskerville, Pharmacology and Therapeutics
• Raneeta Thingnam, Physiology and Pathophysiology
• Julie Donahue , Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
• Anam Ara, Biochemistry and Medical Genetics
• Megan Crooks, Psychology
• Saeid Maghsoudi , Physiology and Pathophysiology
• Samuel Lawal, Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
• Sara Crooks, Biochemistry and Medical Genetics
• Akshi Malik, Physiology and Pathophysiology
• Judy Anderson, UM Retirees Association
• Dipo Olatunde, UM 3MP 1st place
• Karen Schwartz, Director UM Human Research Ethics and Compliance

Heat 2:  March 12, 2024, 10 a.m. at E3-262 Senate Chambers, Fort Garry Campus

• Breanne Semenko , Human Nutritional Sciences
• Maria Baranowski, Community Health Sciences
• Dasinija Karikalan, Biosystems Engineering
• Tamunoibi Ekine, Interior Design
• Joanna Candas, Human Nutritional Sciences
• Isanka Gimhani, Biosystems Engineering
• Harshani Nadeeshani Vidana Hewage, Food Science
• Foluke Oyekale, Human Nutritional Sciences
• Surani Matharaarachchi, Statistics
• Jocelyn Zambrano Alvarado, Microbiology
• Dallas Murphy, Psychology
• Abhinav Tiwari, Biosystems Engineering
• Shanelle Gingras, Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
• Jason Mergler, Applied Health Sciences
• Fanny Levy, Director UM International Centre
• Delaine Russo, UM Director of Environmental Health and Safety
• Erica Jung, Director for The Centre for the Advancment of Teaching and Learning

Heat 3:  March 13, 2024, 1 p.m. at E3-262 Senate Chambers, Fort Garry Campus

• Dimitar Tomovski, Philosophy
• Farzan Farnaghi, Interior Design
• Naman Agarwal, Physics and Astronomy
• Ruwani Wimalasekara, Microbiology
• Kofi Oduro, Food Science
• Cole Treyturik, Physics and Astronomy
• Maximillian Scott, Earth Sciences
• Termeh Shakery, Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
• Luma Clarindo Lopes, Chemistry
• Ishika Mittal, Physiology and Pathophysiology
• Nnedinso Aguwa, Food Science
• Dario Lorenzoni, Physics and Astronomy
• Maheshi Jayasinghe, Biosystems Engineering
• Neil Lorente Cobo, Microbiology

Judges: 

• Greg Smith, Vice-Provost (Academic Planning & Programs),
• Eleanor Coopsammy, Director, UM Media Relations and Issues Management
• Loren Oschipok, Director, UM Partnerships and Innovation

Western Regional Competition: May 8, 2024 at  University of British Columbia Okanagan Campus

Western Regional Competition Website

Heat and Wildcard winners

The top three winners from each heat will receive a $200 each and three wildcard selections will receive $100 each.

Meet the Challengers

Meet the finalists, 2024 final event.

April 10 2024 7:00pm Robert B. Shultz Theatre

Emcee: Colleen Bready

Judges: Jennifer Chen, Grant Prairie and David Beaudin

2024 3MT Winners

The 2024 3MT winners: 1st Place: Anam Ara, a master’s student in Biochemistry and Medical Genetics 2nd Place: Sara Croocks, a master's student in Biochemistry and Medical Genetics 3rd Place: Ruwani Wimalasekara, a PhD student in Microbiology People's Choice: Samuel Lawal, a master’s student in Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases

Meet the 2024 Finalists

The 12 graduate students competing in the 2024 UM 3MT© finals

Anam Ara Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, M.Sc.

Samuel Lawal Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, M.Sc.

Sara Crooks Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, M.Sc.

Raneeta Thingnam Physiology and Pathophysisology, M.Sc.

Dallas Murphy Psychology, M.A.

Foluke Oyekale Human Nutritional Sciences, M.Sc.

JocelynZambrano Alvarado Microbiology, M.Sc.

Joanna Candas Human Nutritional Sciences, M.Sc.

Cole Treyturik Physics and Astronomy, Ph.D.

Farzan Farnaghi Interior Design, M.I.D.

Ruwani Wimalasekara Microbiology, Ph.D.

Luma Clarindo Lopes Chemistry, Ph.D.

Meet the 2024 Winners

People's Choice

Eligibility

• Three Minute Thesis is open to all full time University of Manitoba graduate students in thesis-based programs.
• Presentations must be based on the primary research the student has conducted in their graduate program.
• Students who have already defended their thesis but have not yet graduated are eligible.
• Students with uncompleted projects are eligible.
• Students in course-based programs, visiting students, exchange students and students on leave are not eligible.
• Students must agree to be photographed and videotaped and allow any recordings to be made public. 
• A single static PowerPoint slide is permitted, to be shown from the beginning of the presentation. No slide transitions, animations or "movement" of any kind are allowed. The slide must have minimum 0.5" margins for key information.
• No additional electronic media (e.g., sound and video files, laser pointers) are permitted
• No note cards or additional props (e.g., costumes, musical instruments, laboratory equipment) are permitted.
• Presentations are limited to three minutes maximum, and challengers exceeding three minutes are disqualified.
• Presentations are to be spoken word (e.g., no poems, raps or songs).
• Presentations are to start from and remain on the stage.
• Presentations are considered to have begun when a presenter starts their presentation through movement or speech.
• Presentations must be based on research directly related to the student’s graduate program thesis. Research performed for employment should not be presented.
• A three-minute clock/timer will be made visible for the students during their presentations.
• For any images, photos or diagrams used on the slide, if not created by the presenter, the presenter must ensure the source is credited and the use is allowable by the copyright owner. When in doubt that written permission is needed, contact the UM Copyright Office for guidance.
• The decision of the adjudicating panel is final.

Judging criteria

At every level of the competition, each challenger will be judged on the  three  categories of criteria listed below.

1. Comprehension: Did the presentation help the audience understand the research?

• Did the presenter clearly outline the nature and goals of their research?
• Did the presenter clearly communicate the significance of their research?
• Did the presentation follow a logical sequence?
• Did the presentation help you to understand the research being done?

2. Engagement: Did the presentation make the audience want to know more?

• Was the presenter careful not to trivialize or "dumb down" their research?
• Did the presenter convey enthusiasm for their work?
• Did the presenter capture and maintain their audience's attention?
• Do I want to know more about the speaker's research?
• Did the PowerPoint slide enhance the presentation? Was it clear, legible and concise?

3. Communication style: Was the thesis topic and its significance communicated in language appropriate to a non-specialist audience?

• Did the speaker use sufficient eye contact and vocal range, maintain a steady pace, and appear confident? Did the speaker avoid scientific jargon, explain terminology that was used, and provide adequate background information to illustrate points?
• Did the presenter spend the right amount of time on each element of their presentation, or did they elaborate for too long or were rushed?
• Did the PowerPoint slide enhance, rather than detract from, their presentation? Was it clear, legible, and concise?

Consent Forms

All challengers must complete these forms prior to competing:

• Photo video release form
• Personal Information release form

Make the most of your three minutes

Learn tips about the pre-production and performance phases of 3MT in Simon Clews' paper, Making The Most of Your Three Minutes - 3MT: The Three Minute Thesis.

Sharpen your communication style

Check out slides from Inger Mewburn, PhD, of the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology for tips that will help you keep energy and pizzazz in your 3MT.

A brief history of 3MT

Three Minute Thesis is a research communication competition developed by the University of Queensland, Australia. There were 160 students in the  first 3MT competition at the University of Queensland  in 2008. Enthusiasm for the 3MT grew into a Trans-Tasman international competition involving 33 universities in Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji in 2010.

By 2011, the Trans-Tasman 3MT competition included 43 universities and, for the first time, regional 3MT events were held in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Hong Kong. It later spread to other universities in Asia. Currently, 3MT is held in over 900 Universities in more than 85 countries!

The first 3MT®competition held in Canada took place at the University of British Columbia in 2011.  UM hosted their first competition in 2013. In 2014 the first national 3MT®competition was held. Today, there are dozens of Canadian universities and research institutes that host annual competitions, with winners moving onto one of three regional competitions (Western, Ontario, Eastern) before competing in the nation-wide competition, Canada’s 3MT®.

• Find 3MT : Videos from around the world
• CAGS: 3MT in Canada

First place: Anam Ara Second place: Sara Crooks Third place:   Ruwani Wimalasekara People's Choice:   Samuel Lawal

• 2024 Heat #1
• 2024 Heat #2
• 2024 Heat #3
• 2024 UM Final Event
• 2024 final event program

First place: Keshav Narayan Alagarsamy Second place: Akshi Malik Third place: Shayna Giesbrecht People's Choice:   Olubukola Olatosi

• 2023 Heat #1
• 2023 Heat #2
• 2023 Heat #3
• 2023 UM Final Event
• 2023 final event program
• Watch UM challenger Keshav Narayan Algarsamy at the Western Regional Final (2023)

UM 3MT winners

First place: Pranav Mishra Second place: Shayna Giesbrecht Third place: Kaitlynn Weisgerber People's Choice :  Chioma Victoria Nwachukwu 

• 2022 Heat #1
• 2022 Heat #2
• 2022 Heat #3
• 2022 UM Final Event
• 2022 final event program
• Watch UM challenger Pranav Mishra at the Western Regional Final (2022)

First place:  Nolan De Leon Second place:  Danah Alhattab Third place:  Sristi Mundhada People's Choice Sonu Varghese

• Watch the winners' YouTube videos (2021)
• Watch the 2020 Final Competition here (2021)
• 2021 final event program \

Western Regional Competition

Videos from the 2021 Western Regional Competition

First place:  Toby Le Second place:  Shanelle Gingras Third place:  Sarah Bohunicky People’s Choice:  Toby Le

• 2020 3MT finalists and challengers
• Watch the winners' YouTube videos (2020)
• Watch the 2020 Final Competition here (2020)
• Watch UM challenger Toby Le at the Western Regional Final (2020)

2020 Western Regional Competition Videos

• First place:  Kevin Boreskie
• Second place:  Justine Hudson
• Third place:  Avery Simundsson
• People’s Choice:  Kashfia Shafiq
• View the   3MT 2019 videos

National 3MT competition

Videos from the 2019 Canadian National 3MT Competition

Previous years

2018 Winners

• First place:  Shervin Khalili Ghomi
• Second place:  Kyla Smith
• Third place:  Carmine Slipski
• People’s Choice:  Jill Bueddefeld
• View the   3MT 2018 videos

2017 Winners

• First place and People’s Choice:  Rachel Nickel
• Second place:  Alexandra Ciapala
• Third place:  Colin Graydon
• View the   3MT 2017 videos

2016 Winners

• First place:  Karlee Dyck
• Second place:  Anjali Bhagirath
• Third place:  Paul White
• View the  3MT 2016 videos

​​​2015 Winners

• First place:  Rebecca (DeLong) Dielschneider
• Second place:  Diego Rodriguez Herrera
• People's Choice:  Rebecca (DeLong) Dielschneider
• View the  3MT 2015 videos

​​​​​​2014 Winners

• First place:  Andrea Edel
• Second place:  Olivia Sylvester
• People's Choice:  Havva Filiz Koksel
• View the  3MT 2014 videos

​​​​​​ 2013 Winners

• First place:  Leah (Wong) Guenther
• Second place:  Anthony Signore
• People's Choice:  Christopher White
• View the  3MT 2013 videos

Past winners from other institutions

• Sophie Shah,  University of Calgary First place 2020
• Dennis Riley Louie,  University of British Columbia First place 2020
• Alex Kjorven,  Ryerson University First place 2019
• Andrew Robertson,  University of British Columbia First place and People's Choice 2018
• John Paul Cauchi,  QUT Faculty of Health First place 2018
• Lama Al Faseeh,  Ryerson University First place 2018

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Three Minute Thesis

College of Graduate Studies

Physical Address: Morrill Hall Room 104

Mailing Address: College of Graduate Studies University of Idaho 875 Perimeter Drive MS 3017 Moscow, ID 83844-3017

Phone: 208-885-2647

Email: [email protected]

The Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) competition celebrates the exciting research conducted by graduate 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.

First place: $1,000

Second place: $750

Third place: $500

People’s Choice: $250

Date, time and location:

• Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024
• Vandal Ballroom, Pitman Center *

» See rules .

Zoom Passcode: 509198

* Students not on the Moscow campus may compete for the qualifier via ZOOM . Please use the apply to compete link and let us know your location.

Note: Top qualifiers moving forward to statewide, regional, and so forth will need to attend the in-person competitions.

State Competition

The top four winners at U of I will qualify to compete in the statewide event in Idaho Falls in February 2025. Visit our  3MT state webpage  for details as they become available.

The Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) competition is an event designed to test the presentation skills of graduate students. Knowledge in a field will allow you to succeed, but can you communicate it effectively to an audience from diverse backgrounds?

The Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) is an academic research communication competition developed by The University of Queensland (UQ), Australia. It has since been adopted by universities around the world. The Dean of UQ’s Graduate School, Professor Alastair McEwan, said 3MT® was designed to develop skills that will give students an important career advantage once they complete their studies. 3MT® provides a unique opportunity to profile and celebrate the innovative research conducted by postgraduate research candidates from around the world.

“It is a reality that many Ph.D. students will need to communicate their ideas and results to people who may not necessarily have expertise in their field,” Professor McEwan said. “3MT® develops the ability of students to communicate the significance and outcomes of their project in a short space of time.”

Three Minute Thesis Competition

3mt website, 3mt showcase.

See Presentations

Three Minute Thesis (3MT®)

An 80,000 word PhD thesis would take 9 hours to present. Your time limit... 3 minutes.

Graduate Research School

• Scholarships and opportunities
• Supervision
• Candidate resources

The Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) is an academic research communication competition developed by The University of Queensland (UQ), Australia. The competition celebrates the exciting research conducted by Doctor of Philosophy candidates and cultivates academic, presentation, and research communication skills by challenging candidates to effectively explain their research within three minutes and in language appropriate to a non-specialist audience. Competitors are allowed one PowerPoint slide, but no other resources or props.

Since 2011 the popularity of the competition has increased and 3MT® competitions are now held in over 900 universities across more than 85 countries worldwide. ACU participates each year, with our winner going on to represent us at the 3MT® Asia-Pacific finals.

2024 winners

Winner the video opens above the slideshow controls.

Joey McCollum

Phylogenetic Textual Criticism: Art Meets Science

Runner-up the video opens above the slideshow controls

Katie Headrick

Consumer Involvement in CP-ACHIEVE Research: A Mixed Methods Approach to Evaluating Multiple Perspectives

People's choice the video opens above the slideshow controls

Chanchal Kurup

Breaking the Barriers of the Borders in Nursing

Past competitors

Watch Joey's presentation

Watch Katie's presentation

People's Choice

Watch Chanchal's presentation

Dhatsayini Rattambige

Growing Strong: How Trauma and Alcohol Influence Brain Development

Watch Dhatsayini's presentation

Muhammad Sakib Khan Inan

Recognising Sensor Type with Artificial Intelligence Algorithms

Watch Muhammad's presentation

Peter MacSporran

Can the state of law and politics in Nauru be explained by Lon Fuller's account of the rule of law?

Watch Peter's presentation

James Czencz

Unleashing the Potential of Adults with Complex CP through Community-based Physical Activity

Watch James's presentation

Winner 

Adrien McCrory

Trans and Gender Diversity in Australia's Criminal Justice System

Watch Adrien's presentation

Runner Up and winner of People's Choice

Jordan Hinton 

Watch Jordan's presentation

Thae Oo Khaing Watch Thae Oo's presentation   

Geetanjali Rogers Watch Geetanjali's presentation

Emily Subara-Zukic Watch Emily's presentation

Katrina Wilhite Watch Katrina's presentation

Geetanjali Basarkod

The Six Ways to Well-Being: Reimagining the Pursuit of Happiness

Watch Geetanjali's presentation

Naomi Paine

Social Exclusion of the Oldest Old

Watch Naomi's presentation

Bobby Shamim

Are Humans Eating Enough?

Watch Bobby's presentation

Zachary Conway Watch Zachary's presentation

Mathew Pfeiffer Watch Mathew's presentation

Christopher Swain Watch Christopher's presentation

Geoffrey Warman Watch Geoffrey's presentation

Alasdair MacIntyre Watch Alasdair's presentation

Bobby Shamim Watch Bobby's presentation

James Conigrave Watch James' presentation

Meghan Wilson Watch Meghan's presentation

Want to participate in our next 3MT?

Have a question ask research, our contacts.

Have a question for a specific team? Ask the right person.

Graduate College

Three Minute Thesis

What is 3mt.

The University of Iowa’s Three Minute Thesis (3MT) is a research communication competition that challenges graduate students to clearly and concisely articulate complex research to non-specialist audiences. Contestants represent a diverse array of disciplines and areas of study and reflect the passion and thirst for discovery common among all of Iowa's graduate students.

Participating in the Graduate College’s public scholarship competitions helps students develop communication skills, allows them to share and take pride in their work, and offers the chance to compete for prizes. You can view the presentations of all of our finalists on the  3MT spotlight page .

ELIGIBILITY:  Participants must be currently enrolled in a Masters or PhD degree program that requires the student to conduct their own research. You can prepare for the competition by following the steps below.

Step 1: Register for Info Session

Join our webinar on September 13th at 2:00 pm to learn more.

Step 2: Register for 3MT

Sign up for the Fall 2024 Preliminary Competition on October 10th and 11th.

Step 3: Attend the Workshops

Sign up and take advantage of these 3MT training opportunities

2024 3MT Timeline

Each contestant who advances to the final competition will win a $250 cash prize. There will be additional prizes for:

• $1,000 dollars for 1st place (decided by judges) and the option for funds to travel to the Midwestern  Association of Graduate Schools (MAGS)  
• $500 for honorable mention (decided by judges)
• $250 for the "People's Choice" winner, selected by the audience ballot
• Gain everlasting glory for your college with the 3MT Dean's Cup 

Participation

Registration Deadline:  Monday, October 7, 2024, by 11:59 PM CT Students: To compete, you must register. After the registration deadline passes you will receive an invitation to join the 3MT ICON course that will include instructions on how to participate in the preliminary competition. 

Improve Your Presentation

The Graduate College hosts a series of optional workshops to help competitors prepare their presentations:

• A Beginner's Guide to 3MT - September 13th at 2 pm (virtual)
• Narrating Research: Mastering the 3MT for Humanities and Social Sciences - September 20 at 11 am (virtual)
• Science in a Nutshell: Distilling Physical and Health Science Research - September 20 at 2 pm (virtual)
• Using Research Imagery to Enhance Your Pitch - September 27 at 2 pm (virtual)
• Speaking Confidently: Elevate Your Stage Presence and Practice Your Pitch - October 4 at 2 pm (in-person)

Judging Criteria

Comprehension & 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 & 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?

Winners will be determined by a panel of judges using the official 3MT competition rubrics to judge the presentations. Judges will be invited from the University of Iowa faculty and staff, previous 3MT winners, and the local community.

Volunteer to be a judge at any of the qualifying rounds

PAST WINNERS SHOWCASE

Check out past 3MT competition results and finalists

Search this site

Division of graduate studies menu, division of graduate studies.

3 Minute Thesis

Three Minute Thesis (3MT)

One slide and three minutes. That's all that competitors can use during this lively part of the Graduate Research Forum taking place on Thursday, November 21, 2024 at the EMU. This is a great opportunity for competitors to hone their presentation skills, network early in the academic year, and get a chance to qualify to represent the UO at national and international 3MT competitions. (And win cash prizes!)

• 3:00-4:15 p.m. Preliminary Rounds (Crater Lake Room North, Crater Lake Room South, Diamond Lake Room)
• 4:15-5:00 p.m. Reception (Crater Lake Room foyer)
• 5:00-5:30 p.m. Final Round (Crater Lake Room)

Prizes & Benefits

2023 Winners

Winners of the UO 3MT competition win cash prizes (First place wins $500; second place $300; third place $200). The first place competitor will be eligible to participate in the regional competition hosted by the Western Association of Graduate Schools in mid-March 2025.

Develop academic presentation and research communication skills and ability to effectively explain research to a non-specialist audience.

3MT provides a valuable opportunity for graduate students (live or virtually) to get to network, get know one another, and talk about their research. 

Potentially attend national and international 3MT competitions which provides networking and professional development opportunities. 

Participate

To participate, be ready to submit a title and a 200-word summary describing the work or research you plan to present. All competitors should use inclusive language that avoids stereotypes, labeling, and pejorative comments. Competitors can expect to receive a feedback package after the event containing a video clip of their presentation and a summary of the judges' comments.

Register for UO's 3MT

3MT Competitor Guide

Known as 3MT, the idea came out of the University of Queensland , Australia, in 2008. Since then, the competition has been adopted by institutions in 85 countries. 

You will have 3 minutes - and one slide - to present your academic interests, work or research, even if you have not completely finalized it yet. This is great practice for concise public speaking in a language appropriate to a non-specialist audience.

Graduate Studies Hosting 3 Minute Thesis Final Competition Nov. 21

The College of Graduate Studies is hosting its signature 7th annual Three Minute Thesis Final Competition on Thursday, Nov. 21, at 6 p.m. in Memorial Field House Room 2100. The UToledo community is invited to attend.

The Three Minute Thesis is an exercise that develops academic, presentation and research communication skills and challenges the research student’s capacity to effectively explain their research in only three minutes in a language appropriate to an intelligent but non-specialist audience. Graduate students in good standing in the thesis and dissertation-writing stage of their studies are eligible to compete.

Emma Elizabeth Sabu Kattuman, a doctoral student in the Biomedical Science Program, competed at the 2024 MAGS competition, where she won the People’s Choice and Runner-up awards. She is competing at the national competition in St. Louis in December.

From Oct. 7 through Nov. 1, the College of Graduate Studies hosted a series of interactive prep workshops. During these sessions, competition coordinators guided competitors on writing a script, designing their optional presentation slide, honing their public speaking and presentation skills, and then practicing their final products.

The 10 finalists will compete in UToledo’s 7th annual final competition. All contestants participated in a qualifying round during the week of Nov. 4 on the Main and Health Science campuses. On Thursday, Nov. 21, finalists will compete for first-place, runner-up and honorable-mention titles. Additionally, the audience will vote for the people’s choice winner. All four will be recognized by the Graduate Council in spring 2025 semester and the first-place winner will go on to compete during the Midwestern Association of Graduate Schools 81st annual meeting scheduled Wednesday, April 2, through Friday, April 4, in Indianapolis.

The 2023 competition first-place and people’s choice winner, Emma Elizabeth Sabu Kattuman, a doctoral student in the Biomedical Science Program, competed at the 2024 MAGS competition, where she won the People’s Choice and Runner-up awards. Kattuman will now advance to the national competition in December and represent MAGS and The University of Toledo at the Council of Graduate Schools’ 2024 Annual Meeting in St. Louis.

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Three Minute Thesis

The 3MT® competition originated at a time when the state of Queensland in Australia was suffering a severe drought. To conserve water, residents were encouraged to time their showers, and many people had a three-minute egg timer fixed to the wall in their bathroom. The then Dean of the University of Queensland (UQ) Graduate School, Emeritus Professor Alan Lawson, put two and two together and the idea for the 3MT® competition was born: to challenge grad students to describe their research in under three minutes to a general audience for the purpose of cultivating graduate students' research communication skills.

The first 3MT® competition was held at the University of Queensland in 2008 with 160 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. The competition kept on growing. Today, over 900 institutions across more than 80 countries around the world hold 3MT® competitions.

An 80,000-word thesis or dissertation would take 9 hours to present. Your time limit...3 minutes.

Registration for the 5th Annual 3MT® at The Ohio State University

Registration Form for 3MT Participation

Registrations will be accepted at Ohio State from October 16, 2024 to November 30, 2024 for invited 2024 Hayes winners and graduate students (conducting their own research) from colleges that do not hold a college wide 3MT competition.

Winners of college-level 3MT® competitions will automatically be invited to participate in the final Ohio State University 3MT® competition on February 5, 2025.

This year marks the first year that the Ohio State University 3MT competition will also be open to graduate students in colleges who do not hold college-wide 3MT competitions and can register to participate in the 3MT competition by following the directions below. 

In addition, select winners of the 2024 Hayes Forum will be invited by the Graduate School to register for this competition by following the directions below.. Once registered, graduate students from these two groups will participate in an asynchronous video competition, and up to 10 students will be selected to compete in the live final competition along with the college 3MT winners. 

Eligibility

Only enrolled graduate students (Ph.D., professional and master’s students) in good standing with the Graduate School are eligible to compete in the 3MT® at Ohio State University. Students interested in being a contestant in the 3MT® competition will present their research project that they are currently pursuing in their programs. Doctoral candidates are eligible to compete either in the preliminary part, or after their comprehensive exams, and/or when they are at the dissertation phase. Master’s students should be in the second year of their program and have made significant progress on their thesis or independent research.

Participation reminder

Students that are most successful in these 3MT® competitions understand how to conduct research and are engaged in enough research so that they can speak about: (1) the purpose/goals of their research project, (2) the research strategy/design and results/findings, as well as (3) explain the potential significance and/or applications of their work to a broad audience.

Eligibility Note

Previous 3MT® finalists, alumni, and post docs are not eligible to participate in this competition.

• Winner: $500
• Runner-up: $400
• People’s Choice: $500

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, songs, etc.).
• Presentations are to commence from the stage (or designated area in front of their PowerPoint static slide). 
• Presentations are considered to have commenced when a presenter starts their presentation through either movement or speech.
• Do not turn to or point at your single static PowerPoint during your presentation
• Important: The decisions of the judging panel at any stage are final.

3MT® Competition-Rubric

The Three Minute Thesis competition is graded on a point system based on four levels of criteria of performance across 11 categories.

Four Performance Levels

• Beginning - Identifiable knowledge and skills reflecting a beginning level
• Developing - Identifiable knowledge and skills reflecting development and movement toward mastery
• Accomplished - Identifiable knowledge and skills reflecting mastery
• Exemplary - Identifiable knowledge and skills reflecting the highest level

Eleven Performance Criteria

Presenter provides an understanding of the background and significance to the research question being addressed, while explaining terminology and avoiding jargon.

Presenter clearly describes the impact and/or results of the research, including conclusions and outcomes.

Presenter follows a clear and logical sequence.

The topic, research significance, results/impact and outcomes are communicated in language appropriate to a non-specialist audience.

The presenter spent adequate time on each element of their presentation.

The oration makes the audience want to know more.

The presenter was careful to not trivialize or generalize their research.

The presenter conveyed enthusiasm for their research.

The presenter captured and maintained their audience's attention.

The presenter has sufficient stage presence (eye contact and vocal range, maintains a steady pace, and has a confident stance).

The PowerPoint slide enhanced the presentation – it was clear, legible, and concise.

Sample Panelist Scoring Rubric

Student Name:

Reviewer’s Name:

Part A: Comprehension and content

• Identifiable knowledge and skills reflecting a beginning level
• Identifiable knowledge and skills reflecting development and movement toward mastery
• Identifiable knowledge and skills reflecting mastery
• Identifiable knowledge and skills reflecting the highest level

Part B: Engagement and communication

For questions regarding the 3MT process at Ohio State University or to receive a copy of the actual scoring rubric by email, please contact Karin Jordan: [email protected]

PowerPoint Template

Please use the below PowerPoint for your final competition slide.

Graduate School Ohio State Branded PowerPoint Template

Asynchronous Video Competition Guidelines

This section is specifically video guidelines for the asynchronous video competition (for graduate students from colleges who do not hold a college-wide 3MT competition and invited Hayes Forum winners)

• Record horizontally
• Record from a static position
• Record from one camera angle
• Display your single static PowerPoint, any other background should be plain
• Audio must be continuous and understandable – Please no sound edits

IMPORTANT: Video recordings are not judged on video quality or editing capabilities. The judging panel will use the Rating Rubric (see link above) focusing on the student presentation. Judging will focus on the presentation, communicating their research to a non-specialist audience, and the single static PowerPoint slide.

Things to Remember

• Review the rubric above so you know what your presentation and single static PowerPoint slide will be evaluated on.
• If you want to see how the 3MT® is done and see what others have done, search the internet for past 3MT® competitor videos. Make sure and review their single static PowerPoint slide. Also check out MAGS .
• Make sure you provide information about the background of the research question you are going to address and its significance in your presentation.
• Be clear to report about the key result(s) and significance of your research and identify the conclusions/implications. 
• Make sure your presentation is structured logically and clearly.
• Remember that you are presenting to a non-specialist audience. Provide an adequate background, avoid professional/scientific jargon and/or abbreviations and define terminology.
• Grab the audience’s attention early on, make them want to know more.
• Be aware not to minimize or over generalize your results (get mentor feedback).
• Convey your passion and enthusiasm about your research.
• Get feedback from your advisors and others about your stage presence. Are you engaging, enthusiastic, have eye contact, keep a steady pace and have a vocal range.
• Be confident, this is your research study. You know this information well.
• Assure that the single static PowerPoint slide enhances your presentation? Is it clear, legible and not text heavy, nor has complicated graphs that can distract your audience. (Remember less is more). Are the graphics clear?
• Practice, Practice, Practice , so you can present your information with confidence and ease (no note cards are allowed).
• Stay within your 3-minute time limit.

2023-24 Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Dates

3mt® workshop.

Oct. 15, 2024 - Link to Event

Registrations for the Asynchronous Video 3MT® Competition

Oct. 15, 2024 to Oct 30, 2024 -  Link to Registration

All applicants will have a short meeting with Dr Jordan, after which they can submit their materials.  

3MT® Videos and single PowerPoints Deadline

Nov. 30, 2024

Once ready to submit your video and slide for the Three Minute Thesis, please upload your video clip and single slide to a OneDrive folder and create a shared link with “University Wide” permissions.

Office 365 Info on Uploading to One Drive

OTDI Resources information about OneDrive

If you have questions about uploading your video or need technical assistance, contact the IT Service Desk at: Phone: 614-688-4357 (HELP), Email: [email protected] , Self Service and chat support: go.osu.edu/it

To finalize your submission visit the video and single slide submission portal below in Qualtrics to submit your OneDrive link.

Video Single Slide Submission Portal

Asynchronous Video 3MT®Finalist Notification

By or before January 16, 2025

Deadline for Submitting Individual College Competition Finalist

Jan. 23, 2025

Colleges should submit their college finalist information to Dr Karin Jordan at  [email protected]

Note on College Wide Competitions

College wide competitions can be held any time in Fall term or the first few weeks in Spring term - it is the College’s Choice.

Deadline for All * Finalist Slide Submissions

Jan. 24, 2025

* This includes college competition finalists and asynchronous video competition finalists. 

Note final single static slide, Presentation title, student name and department name should be sent to Dr Karin Jordan at [email protected]

3MT® University Wide In-Person Competition

Feb. 5, 2024 

10:00AM to 12:30PM

* Location to be announced closer to the event.

Upcoming 3MT Events

2024-25 3mt® competition process, phase 1: 3mt® training.

Graduate students interested in participating in their College Wide 3MT® competition should participate in a variety of workshops and interactive sessions throughout the fall semester to hone their three minute research pitch. These workshops and interactive sessions include topics such as:

• Communicating your research in three minutes
• Creating your single Static PowerPoint slide
• Story Telling
• Communicating complex topics: avoiding jargon
• Finding your presentation voice

Phase 2: 3MT®Participation in Preliminary Competition

There are three ways that graduate (master’s and doctoral level) and professional students can get involved and participate in the Ohio State University 3MT® Competition. College Wide Competition - Option 1 Note: College Wide Competitions can be held any time in Fall term or the first few weeks in Spring term - it is the College’s Choice.   Individual Student (Self Nomination) Video Competition - Option 2 2024 Hayes Forum Winner’s Video Competition - Option 3  

Registration and Pre-Competition Format for Option 2 and 3

Open call to Ohio State master’s and/or doctoral students (Option 2) and the 2024 Graduate School invited Hayes winners (Option 3), who are conducting their own research, to complete a 3MT® registration form between October 15ths 2024 to October 30th 2024 via the web portal.. Meet with Dr Jordan, Assistant Dean for Graduate Development and Engagement via Zoom or in-person. Submit your 3MT® video and single static Power Point via the web portal by November 30, 2024 for the asynchronous 3MT® competition. A selection committee will select up to 10 student finalists to advance to Phase 3.  

Important: The graduate student's faculty adviser(s) must approve of the student's participation in the competition.

Phase 3: Final round- In-person format

The final round will be in-person and include the (1) College Wide Competition finalists and the up to 10 finalists from the (2) Individual Student (Self Nomination) Video Competition, and (3) 2024 Hayes Forum Winner’s Video Competition will compete in the in-person University wide 3MT® Competition. This event is scheduled for February 5, 2025. in front of an audience. The winners will be asked to record their presentation to be posted on our website. A committee of judges will select one first-place winner and one runner-up , and the audience will vote for the People's Choice Winner .

3MT® winners (1 st place winner, runner -up, and People’s Choice) will be recognized at the Graduate School’s Annual Award Ceremony in April. Their advisors are also invited to attend.

IMPORTANT: The first-place 3MT® winner will advance to Phase 4.

Phase 4: Regional - In-person format

The first-place 3MT® winner of the Ohio State will move on to compete in-person at the regional level at the Mid-Western Association of Graduate Schools (MAGS) competition in March 2025 at their annual conference.

Winners of the regional competition are invited to the national competition hosted by the Council of Graduate Schools.

Previous 3MT Competition Awards

2023 3MT College Level Competition 

Still Have Questions?

Development, Engagement, Careers, and Workshops

Assistant Dean Karin Jordan [email protected]