3 Minute Thesis Competition (3MT)

The Three Minute Thesis (3MT^®) is an academic research communication competition developed by The University of Queensland (UQ), Australia.

• 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.

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. Graduates are not eligible.

The competition is most suited to later stage PhD students. It is recommended you take part in the competition when you are approaching the end of your PhD

Comprehension and content

• Presentation provided clear motivation, background and significance to the research question
• Presentation clearly described the research strategy/design and the results/findings of the research
• Presentation clearly described the conclusions, outcomes and impact of the research

Engagement and communication

• The oration was delivered clearly, and the language was appropriate for a non-specialist audience
• The PowerPoint slide was well-defined and enhanced the presentation
• The presenter conveyed enthusiasm for their research and captured and maintained the audience’s attention

College Prizes

At each College heat, three winners will be selected to go through to the University final; prizes are organised by the Colleges.

University Prizes

All those who take part at the University competition will have their presentations filmed and uploaded to the University Media Hopper channel. This year’s prizes are:

1st Prize: £500

Runner up: £250 

Peoples’ Choice Award: £250

The winner of the University of Edinburgh competition is then entered into the Coimbra Group and the international Universitas 21 Competition.