The Three Minute Thesis 3MT® competition, developed by The University of Queensland (UQ), Australia, in 2008 (see here), “cultivates students” academic, presentation, and research communication skills. Presenting in a 3MT competition increases their capacity to effectively explain their research in three minutes, in a language appropriate to a non-specialist audience. In three minutes or less, using only one static slide, and no other props, contestants deliver their presentation to a panel of non-specialist judges. These judges rank the contestants, based on how engaging, accessible, and compelling they made their presentation. A candidate who goes overtime is disqualified.
Instructions
All students with an accepted paper that wants to participate in the 3MT® competition must send an email to office@inmmic.org before October 15th. Please include the ID of the accepted paper. Guidelines for the participants can be found here.
Prizes
The winner will receive a 500€ prize.
Rules
• A single static PowerPoint slide is permitted (no slide transitions, animations or ‘movement’ of any description, 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 (e.g., no poems, raps, or songs). • Presentations are to commence from the stage. • Presentations are considered to have commenced when a presenter starts their presentation through movement or speech. • The decision of the adjudicating panel is final.
Judging Criteria
Comprehension and content • Presentation provided clear background and significance to the research question. • Presentation provided clear positionality of the presenter to the research and research approach. • 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.
