Introduction
UVM’s Three Minute Thesis (3MT) is a celebration of the discoveries made by our Ph.D. students and will allow the broader community to learn about ongoing research at UVM. The competition assists Ph.D. students with fostering effective presentation and research communication skills: it asks Ph.D. researchers to consolidate their ideas, crystallize their research discoveries, and capture the imagination of their audience. Competitors will be judged on comprehension, content, engagement, and communication.
Schedule
Preliminary rounds will be scheduled in collaboration between UVM’s Colleges. Watch you email for more information on dates and times. You can express your interest now by using the sign-up link below!
The final will be held on Wednesday, April 15th, at 4:00 p.m.
Sign Up!
Prizes
All contestants gain invaluable experience. Winners will receive prizes.
- 1st prize: $750
- 2nd prize: $500
- People’s Choice Award: $250
Participation in the final competition also satisfies the eligibility criteria for the Graduate College Conference Grant Program.
History
Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) was developed by The University of Queensland in 2008 and is now held in more than 900 universities in 85 countries around the world.
Eligibility
All UVM Ph.D. students who will have passed their candidacy examination by the date of the competition are eligible to participate in the 3MT competition.
Rules
Competitors will present their research in non-technical language to a general audience using only one static visual slide to accompany their speech. You can find an FAQ here. A panel of judges will assess each presentation based on (1) comprehension and content and (2) engagement and communication. In addition, the audience will select a People’s Choice winner.
Presentation Parameters:
- 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. cue cards, costumes, musical instruments, laboratory equipment) are permitted.
- Presentations are limited to three minutes maximum; competitors exceeding three 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.
Judging Criteria
Competitors are judged upon three equally important 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?
Engagement
- Did the oration make the audience want to know more?
- Was the presenter careful not to trivialize or generalize their research?
- Did the presenter convey enthusiasm for their research?
- Did the presenter capture and maintain their audience’s attention?
Communication style
- 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 speaker effectively convey their research using a well-paced, clear, and consistent communication style?
- 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?
- Did the slide enhance the presentation – was it clear, legible, and concise