Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition
Thursday, February 9, 2017 | 5:00 PM
Information Sciences Building, 3rd floor
2017 competitors to be announced.
Call for Participants
Calling all doctoral students and candidates! SIS is hosting its second annual Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition during iFest 2017 and you are invited to participate.
The 3MT is an academic competition that challenges PhD students and candidates to describe their research within three minutes to a general audience. 3MT celebrates the discoveries made by research students and encourages them to communicate the importance of their research to the broader community.
Developed by The University of Queensland in 2008, enthusiasm for the 3MT concept and its adoption in numerous universities led to the development of an international competition. In SIS' localized version of the 3MT, all doctoral students and candidates are eligible to compete. Don’t miss this opportunity to practice your presentation skills and have a chance to win a research travel grant!
Register to Compete
Register your intent to compete by completing this form.
- Submissions are due to SIS Communications by Noon (12:00 p.m.) on Monday, February 6
- All 3MT competitors must present during iFest 2017.
- Please direct any questions or submissions to Wes Lipschultz.
Competition Rules
- A single static PowerPoint slide is permitted (no slide transitions, animations, or 'movement' of any description--the slide is to be presented from the beginning of the oration to the end).
- No additional electronic media (e.g. sound or 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 movement or speech.
- The decision of the adjudicating panel is final.
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?
- Were the thesis topic, key results, 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?
Prize
Winner will receive a $500 gift card to the University Store.
Presentation Resources
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To learn more about the competition history, rules, and to gain valuable preparation tips, visit the 3MT website.
