Overview
Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) is an academic competition developed by The University of Queensland (UQ), Australia.
A 3MT® competition will be held at Lancaster University on 6 May 2017 as part of the Postgraduate Research Conference.
The exercise challenges research higher degree (PhD and MPhil) students to present a compelling oration on their thesis topic and its significance in just three minutes.
3MT® develops academic, presentation, and research communication skills and supports the development of research students’ capacity to effectively explain their research in language appropriate to a non-specialist audience.
History
For more details on the history of the 3MT® competition please visit the Three Minute Thesis website here.
Note that the judging criteria, rules and eligibility criteria below only apply to the 3MT® competition. Please see details on the submission and presentation requirements page for details on the requirements for long presentations and posters.
Judging Criteria
Comprehension and 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 and 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 stage 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?
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 (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 either movement or speech.
- The decision of the adjudicating panel is final.
Eligibility
Active PhD and Professional Doctorate (Research) candidates who have successfully passed their confirmation milestone (including candidates whose thesis is under submission) by the date of their presentation are eligible to participate in this 3MT®. Graduates are not eligible.
Prizes
- The winning competitor will receive a prize
- The top placed Lancaster entrant will be entered into the national competition.
The UK National Competition
A competition will take place featuring successful candidates from several universities across the UK running Three Minute Thesis competitions. In the event of over subscription regional semi-finals may take place prior to the Final.
Lancaster will enter the top placed Lancaster University presenter who is available to compete in the finals.
