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.
In May 2025 UVic will also host the 3MT Western Regional Competition. Details will be available by early March.
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 in a UVic master's or PhD program in the spring term (January-April) of the competition
-
produce a 3MT® presentation that directly relates to your graduate program research
- agree to have your 3MT® presentation videotaped
- 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.
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 2025 3MT® final event will be held Thursday March 13, 2025. Registration is now open. To register complete and submit the 3MT® Registration Form by Thursday January 23, 2025.
To help students prepare, public speaking workshops and practice sessions will be offered. Participants are required to attend at least one practice session and may attend as many as they like to receive constructive feedback and tips to perfect their presentation.
How to prepare
On-campus resources
The Faculty of Graduate Studies offers preparatory workshops for 3MT® participants each year.
- 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 through either movement or speech.
- 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.
Comprehension and content
- Did the presentation provide an understanding of the background and significance to the research question being addressed while explaining terminology and avoiding jargon?
- Did the presentation clearly describe the impact and/or results of the research including conclusions and outcomes?
- Did the presentation follow a clear and logical sequence?
- Were the thesis topic, research significance, results/impact and outcomes communicated in language appropriate to a non-specialist audience?
- Did the presenter spend adequate time on each element of their presentation? (Did they elaborate for too long on one aspect? Was the presentation rushed?)
Engagement and 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? Did they maintain a steady pace and have a confident stance?
- Did the PowerPoint slide enhance the presentation? Was the slide clear, legible and concise?
Prizes & sponsors
Cash prizes are awarded for each heat and the finals.
Award | Cash prize |
---|---|
Heat, 1st place | $200 |
Heat, 2nd place | $100 |
People's Choice | $300 |
Finals, 1st place | $1000 |
Finals, 2nd place | $750 |
Winners & finalists
43 Graduate students entered UVic's 2024 3MT competition. From that group 8 semi-finalists competed at a live event March 14 for $1000 first place prize and a chance to compete in the western regionals. If you missed that live event you can watch videos of their presentations. Congratulations to all the participants!
Maheyer J. Shroff, Physics and Astronomy - Winner and People's Choice Award recipient
Talen Rimmer, Biology - Second place winner
Eva MacLennan, Biology - Finalist
Jamal Mohammad Khani, Physics and Astronomy - Finalist
Brandon Justus, Psychology - Finalist
Amit Sharma, Gustavson School of Business - Finalist
Elisa Do, Psychology - Finalist
Sean Morgan, Psychology - Finalist
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.