Higher degrees by research: Start your 3MT® journey here
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. The competition supports their capacity to effectively explain their research in three minutes, in a language appropriate to a non-specialist audience.
You have 3 minutes. Create. Compel. Connect.
An 80,000-word thesis would take 9 hours to present; you have three minutes to tell us what you are doing, how you are doing it, and how it relates to the real world.
To present a thesis in just three minutes, you need to be concise and understand the importance of good storytelling. Learning and practicing this ability can help you with your academic presentations, career, and communication skills.
You will have the chance to win a monetary prize and participate in the 3MT® Western Regional Final as you showcase your research to the broader public. You will gain exposure for your work and build connections within the community.
Why should you participate?
Skills development for research candidates
Participating in 3MT® develops academic, presentation and research communication skills, while developing research candidates’ ability to effectively explain their research in language appropriate to a non-specialist audience.
Building research culture in universities
3MT® provides a valuable opportunity for 3MT® candidates to come together (live or virtually), get to know one another and talk about their research. It also provides a supportive environment in which schools, institutes and universities can provide presentation skills training.
Building external relations for the university
3MT® winners may go on to represent their university at national and international 3MT® competitions which provides an excellent networking and professional development opportunity. Previous 3MT® finalists have benefited from invitations to a variety of other networking events following their participation in the competition.
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.
Eligibility
To be eligible, you must:
- Be registered in a ÂÜÀòÉäÇø masters or PhD program and not be graduating in this semester.
- Produce a 3MT® presentation that directly relates to your graduate program research.
- Agree to have your 3MT® presentation video recorded.
- Be available to present in-person and, if you are the finalist, you are required to attend the 3MT® Western Regional Competition. If you are unable to attend, the runner-up will proceed to the next round of the competition in your place.
Prizes
Cash prizes for ÂÜÀòÉäÇø 3MT® Final competition:
- 1st place - $750.00
- 2nd place - $500.00
- People's Choice - $275.00
The 1st place finalist will be ÂÜÀòÉäÇø's representative at the 3MT® Western Regional Finals.