Information about the competition and details of who to contact. The Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) is an academic research communication competition developed by The University of Queensland (UQ), Australia. About the competition The 3 Minute Thesis (3MT) competition requires doctoral researchers to compete to deliver the best research presentation in just 3 minutes (and one slide). It is based on a concept developed by the University of Queensland which quickly spread across Australia and New Zealand, and has gone global. The University of Edinburgh has run a 3MT competition every year since 2013. 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 first presentation are eligible to participate in 3MT competitions at all levels. Graduates are not eligible. Judging Criteria 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 More information about 3 Minute Thesis Find detailed information about the 3 Minute Thesis Competition, including tips on how to prepare, in our new handbook for participants: 3 Minute Thesis participant handbook (PDF) You may also find our web information helpful: How to enter and competition criteria Frequently asked questions The Prizes College Prizes At each College heat, three winners will be selected to go through to the University final; further prizes to be confirmed. University Prizes All those who take part at the University competition will have their presentations filmed and uploaded to the University YouTube channel. Our thanks go to the Principal for the generous donation of funds for this year’s prizes for the winners of the 3 Minute Thesis Finals. We are very grateful for this support, and are happy to announce this year’s prizes: 1st Prize: £1000 Runner up: £400 Peoples’ Choice Award: £400 The winner of the University of Edinburgh competition is then entered into the UK Competition and the international Universitas 21 Competition. U21 Prizes Details of the final prizes are still to be confirmed by Universitas 21. Feedback from previous winners Read our guest blog posts from Owen Gwydion James 2018 winner of the UK competition, Chen Zhao, 2015 Competition Winner, Emma Hodcroft, 2014 Competition Winner, and Mara Götz, 2013 ‘People’s Choice’ Winner on their experience of the competition: Read Owen Gwydion James's guest blog post Read Emma Hodcroft's guest blog post Read Mara Götz's blog post on participating in 3MT Read Chen Zhao's blog post Contact information Please contact Louise if you have any questions: Louise McKay Events Operations and Doctoral Programme Manager Contact details Work: 0131 651 7189 Email: Louise.McKay@ed.ac.uk This article was published on 2024-02-26
