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3MT competition

Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) is a competition for doctoral students to develop and showcase their research communication skills.

Competition rules

Please refer to the full live competition rules on The University of Queensland 3MT® website. There is also a 3MT competitor guide available online.

Some key things to remember:

  • 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.
  • Presentations are limited to 3 minutes maximum and competitors exceeding 3 minutes are disqualified.
  • Presentations are to be spoken word (e.g. no poems, raps or songs).
  • Presentations are to commence from the stage.

 

Your presentation

  • Avoid jargon and academic language.
  • Highlight the outcomes of your research, and the desired outcome.
  • Convey your excitement and enthusiasm for your subject.
  • You may like to present your 3MT as a narrative, with a beginning, middle and end.
  • Try writing an opener to catch the attention of the audience, then highlight your different points, and finally have a summary to restate the importance of your work.
  • Try to leave the audience with an understanding of what you’re doing, why it is important, and what you hope to achieve.

 

Revise

  • Proof your 3MT presentation by reading it aloud, to yourself and to an audience of friends and family.
  • Ask your audience if your presentation clearly highlights what your research is about and why it is important.

FAQs

Have a look at the Frequently Asked Questions on the on The University of Queensland 3MT® website that will help you get started.