Welcome

Three Minute Thesis Competition

FAQs

If you are interested in competing in the 3MT competition below are some Frequently Asked Questions that will help you get started.

What is 3MT?

The Three Minute Thesis (3MT) is a skills development activity that challenges Research Higher Degree students to explain their research project to a non-specialist audience in just three minutes.

How long is each 3MT presentation?

Presentations are limited to three minutes maximum. Competitors exceeding three minutes will be disqualified.

What is allowed on the presenter's 3MT PowerPoint slide?

One single static PowerPoint slide is permitted. In preparing the slide, remember that 'less is more'. It does not have to include text. Visual cues are very effective in assisting the presenter's explanation of their research (however, no slide transitions, animations or 'movement' of any kind can be used).

Can sound or video be used during a presentation?

No additional electronic media (e.g. sound and video files) is permitted during a 3MT presentation.

Can additional props be used during a presentation?

No additional props (e.g. costumes, musical instruments, laboratory equipment) are permitted during a 3MT presentation.

Can palm cards or speech notes be refered to during a presentation?

Yes, palm cards and/or speech notes are acceptable, however this option may detract from the delivery of the 3MT and is not recommended.

While presenters can't deliver their 3MT as a poem or song, can they quote from a poem or song?

Yes, quotes can be included from a poem or song if it is relevant to the presenter's thesis topic. Poetry and song lyrics are not permitted to be used to present the entire 3MT and their use should be very limited.

Who do I contact to discuss my interest in the 3MT competition?

The School of Graduate Studies will be able to assist you and answer any additional 3MT questions that you may have. Please email jbowering@mun.ca.

 

3MT® resources on this website have been generously provided by The University of Queensland (UQ), Australia.

Three Minute Thesis Competition

Competition Rules and Regulations


Eligibility:

  • Presenters must be currently registered in a Masters (thesis route only) or PhD program at Memorial University.
  • PhD students who have defended but have not yet graduated are eligible.
  • Presentations must be based on research that is directly related to the student's graduate program thesis.
  • Presenters must agree to be recorded live.
  • Presenters must be available to present, live, on the day of the competition. To advance to the Eastern Regional Competition, Memorial winners must also be available to present, live, at the Eastern Regional 3MT Competition.
  • Presenters must not have placed in the top 3 of a 3MT competition before.
  • Memorial's first place winner must be a current student at the time of the Eastern Regional Competition in order to compete/participate. If the winner is no longer a graduate student at the time of the Eastern Regional Competition, the second place winner will advance instead.


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 (eg. no poems, raps or songs).
  • 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.


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 trivialise or generalise 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 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?

 

 

3MT® resources on this website have been generously provided by The University of Queensland (UQ), Australia. 

Three Minute Thesis Competition

3MT Handbook

 

 

3MT® resources on this website have been generously provided by The University of Queensland (UQ), Australia.

 

Three Minute Thesis Competition

Why Participate in 3MT?

3MT is part of an effort to provide students with an opportunity to develop their oral communication and presentation skills.

Skills Training for Research Students

The exercise develops academic, presentation and research communication skills, while developing research students' ability to effectively explain their research in language appropriate to a non-specialist audience.

Building Research Culture in Schools and Institutes

3MT provides a valuable opportunity for research students to come together, get to know one another and talk about their research. It also provides a supportive environment in which Schools and Institutes can provide presentation skills training.

Building External Relations for the University

Memorial's 3MT winner may go on to represent their university at a national competition which, in itself, provides an excellent networking and professional development opportunity. Competitors will also benefit from raising the profile of their research accross the univeristy and the local community.

Prizes

  • First Prize: Participation in the Eastern Regional 3MT Competition
  • Runner Up: $500
  • People's Choice: $200 gift certificate

 

 

3MT® resources on this website have been generously provided by The University of Queensland (UQ), Australia. 

Three Minute Thesis Competition

Why Participate in 3MT?

The 3MT is part of an effort to provide students with an opportunity to develop their oral communication and presentation skills.

Skills Training for Research Students

The exercise develops academic, presentation and research communication skills, while developing research students' ability to effectively explain their research in language appropriate to a non-specialist audience.

Building Research Culture in Institutions

3MT provides a valuable opportunity for research students to come together, get to know one another and talk about their research. It also provides a supportive environment in which Schools and Institutes can provide presentation skills training.

Building External Relations for Your Institution

The 3MT 1st prize winner may go on to participate in the national competition which provides an excellent professional development opportunity. Competitors will also benefit from raising the profile of their research across Canada.

Prizes

  • 1st: $1000
  • 2nd: $500
  • 3rd: $250

 

3MT® resources on this website have been generously provided by The University of Queensland (UQ), Australia. 

Three Minute Thesis Competition

About the Event

Date:  Thursday June 16th, 2022
Mode:  Online via Zoom
Time:  7-9 pm

 

Graduate students will compete over the course of 90 minutes. Each three minute presentation will be followed by a brief break for judges to evaluate. A winner and runner-up will be chosen and announced after the final presentation. Audience votes will be counted to select a People's Choice winner.

 

 

3MT® resources on this website have been generously provided by The University of Queensland (UQ), Australia. 

Three Minute Thesis Competition

Competition Rules and Regulations


Eligibility:

  • Presenters must be currently registered in a Masters (thesis route) or PhD program at an Eastern Canadian institution.
  • PhD students who have defended but have not yet graduated are eligible.
  • Presentations must be based on research that is directly related to the student's graduate program thesis.
  • Presenters must agree to be recorded live.
  • Presenters must be available to present, live, on the day of the 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 (eg. no poems, raps or songs).
  • Presentations are considered to have commenced when a presenter starts their presentation through either movement or speech.
  • The decision of the judges 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?
  • 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 trivialise or generalise 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 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?

3MT® resources on this website have been generously provided by The University of Queensland (UQ), Australia. 

Three Minute Thesis Competition

About the Event

Date:  Thursday, June 17, 2021
Mode:  Online 
Time:  2 - 4 pm NDT

 

Each participant will present live for up to three minutes. Judges representing each institution will select first, second and third prize at the end of the presentations. 

3MT® resources on this website have been generously provided by The University of Queensland (UQ), Australia.