The Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) was founded by The University of Queensland in 2008. This competition allows students to present key findings of their research in three minutes to a general audience. For more information, please visit, https://threeminutethesis.uq.edu.au/ .  

Eligibility:  

As a reminder, the following event rules and restrictions apply:  

• Participants must be active in a PhD and Professional Doctorate Research (program composed of at least 2/3 research and eligible for RTP) candidates who have successfully passed their confirmation milestone (including candidates whose thesis is under submission) by January 31, 2024.

OR  

• Participants must be active Master’s degree thesis-option candidates who will graduate from their program in the Spring 2024 semester
• Participants are limited to three minutes total to:
• PhD candidates: clearly present research background, design, findings, conclusion, outcomes, and impact in language appropriate for a non-specialist audience
• Masters candidates: clearly present the concept of their research-based body of work in language appropriate for a non-specialist audience    

Competition Details:  

Three Minute Thesis Competition  

Dominici Hall Room 109  

Friday, March 1, 2024  

9:00 AM – 12:00 PM  

Competition Rules:  

1. Presentations are limited to 3 minutes and competitors exceeding 3 minutes will be
2. A single static PowerPoint slide is permitted in the presentation (no slide transitions, animations or ‘movement’ of any description).
3. Use the NMSU PowerPoint Template (found  here )
4. Presentations are to be spoken word (g. no poems, raps or songs).
5. Presentations are considered to have commenced when a presenter starts their presentation through speech (timing does not include the title slide and commences from when the competitor starts speaking).
6. No additional props (g. costumes, musical instruments, laboratory equipment and animated backgrounds) are permitted within the recording.
7. The decision of the judging panel is final.

Judging will be based on the criteria indicated below.  

Comprehension and content  

• Presentation provided clear motivation, background, and significance to the research question.
• Presentation clearly described the research strategy/design and the results/findings of the research.
• Presentation clearly described the conclusions, outcomes, and impact of the research.

Engagement and communication  

• The oration was delivered clearly, and the language was appropriate for a non-specialist audience.
• The PowerPoint slide was well-defined and enhanced the presentation.
• The presenter conveyed enthusiasm for their research and captured and maintained the audience’s attention.

 
Awards  

The winner, the second- and third-place will be awarded $1,500, $750, and $500 respectively.