Three Minute Thesis (3MT®)

Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) is a research communication competition. Graduate students present their thesis in just three minutes to a non-specialist audience. ​The challenge is to present complex research material in an engaging, compelling way, using accessible language and only one static PowerPoint slide.

3MT® is an excellent opportunity to gain practical experience communicating your research and to network across disciplines.

Eligibility

To be eligible, you must:

• be registered full-time in a UVic research-based master's or doctoral program in the spring term (January-April) of the competition year

• produce a 3MT^® presentation that directly relates to your graduate program research

• agree to have your 3MT^® presentation videotaped, photographed and be made public
• be available to present in-person in a semi-final round and, if you advance in the competition, the following stages. If you are unable to attend, the runner-up will proceed to the next round of the competition in your place.
• attend at least one (1) 3MT practice session
• presentations must be presented in English

Confidentiality and intellectual property considerations

The final competition is held before a live public audience. Any data or information discussed should be considered public. Judges and staff involved in the competition will not be required to sign non-disclosure statements.

If your research is being conducted in conjunction with an outside agency, we advise you to investigate the potential for any confidentiality or intellectual property issues. You should discuss your participation in the competition with your supervisor(s) before registering for the 3MT^® competition.

If your research includes any confidential or culturally sensitive material, you should discuss your entry in the competition with your supervisor(s) before registering.

Registration & schedule

The 2026 Three Minute Thesis competition at UVic concluded on March 11 when 8 finalist presented their 3 minute talk before a live audience.  Presentation videos are posted below. 

Registration for the 2027 3MT competition will open late in the fall 2026 term.  An invitation to register will be sent out via graduate program offices or students can visit this site in November or December for updates.  

How to prepare

On-campus resources

In addition to attending the public speaking workshop and as many practice session as you can, participants will find helpful tips in these resources and by watching videos of past presenters.  

• How to win the 3 Minute Thesis - Dr. Inger Mewburn
• How to sell your thesis in 3 minutes (or less) - short blog post by Dr. Inger Mewburn
• Videos of 3MT^® winners from around the globe

Rules & judging criteria

Competition rules

• A single static PowerPoint slide is permitted. No slide transitions, animations or "movement" of any type are allowed. The slide is to be displayed from the beginning of the presentation.
• 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 three minutes maximum and competitors who exceed three minutes are disqualified.
• Presentations must be in lecture format (i.e. no poems, raps or songs).
• The three minutes starts when a presenter begins their presentation.
• The decision of the adjudicating panel is final.

Judging criteria

At every level of the competition each competitor will be judged on the criteria below. Each criterion is equally weighted and has an emphasis on audience.

Communication

• Did the presenter use non-verbal communication (i.e. eye contact, voice modulation, body language) effectively?
• Did the presenter use language and terminology that was clear, jargon-free, and understandable to a general audience?
• Did the presentation follow a logical sequence?
• Did the presenter spend adequate time on each element of their presentation?
• Did they elaborate for too long on one aspect, or did the presentation feel rushed?

Comprehension

• Did the talk help you to understand the scholarly research being undertaken?
• Did the presenter clearly outline the nature and purpose of their research?
• Did the presenter clearly indicate the fascinating or compelling aspects of their research?
• Did the presentation provide an understanding of the background and significance to the research question being addressed?
• Did the presentation clearly describe the impact and/or results of the research, including conclusions and outcomes?

Engagement

• Was the talk engaging?
• Did the presenter capture and maintain the audience's attention?
• Did the presenter convey enthusiasm for their work?
• Was the presenter careful not to trivialise or generalise their research?
• Did the talk inspire you to want to know more?
• Did the PowerPoint slide enhance the presentation, was it clear, legible, and concise?

Prizes & sponsors

Cash prizes are awarded for each heat and the finals.

Winners & finalists

53 Graduate students entered UVic's 2026 3MT competition from that group 8 semi-finalists competed at a live event March 11 for $1000 first place prize and a chance to compete in the Western Regional 3MT Event in May 2026.  Congratulations to all the participants!

Ian Thomas, Department of Geography, First Place Winner 

Kira Peary, School of Exercise Science, Physical Health Education, Second Place and People's Choice Winner

Angela Jackson, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology

Dominique Gatti, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology  

History

3MT® was developed by the University of Queensland in 2008 and has continued to grow exponentially. The competition has been adopted in over 80 countries.

The University of Victoria's first 3MT® took place in 2013-2014. We acknowledge the support of the University of Queensland in this initiative.