The 3 Minute Thesis (3MT) competition celebrates the exciting research and applied projects conducted by graduate students. Developed by The University of Queensland (UQ), the exercise cultivates students’ academic, presentation, and communication skills. The competition supports students’ capacity to effectively explain their research or projects in three minutes, in a language appropriate to a non-specialist audience.
History
The first 3MT competition was held at UQ in 2008 with 160 graduate students competing. In 2009 and 2010 the 3MT competition was promoted to other Australian and New Zealand universities and enthusiasm for the concept grew.
Since 2011 the popularity of the competition has increased and 3MT competitions are now held in over 200 universities across more than 18 countries worldwide.
Why participate?
Skills development for graduate student – The exercise develops academic, presentation and communication skills, while developing students’ ability to effectively explain their projects in language appropriate to a non-specialist audience.
Building a culture of research – 3MT provides a valuable opportunity for graduate students to come together, get to know one another and talk about their research and projects. It also provides a supportive environment in which universities can provide presentation skills training.
Building external relations for the university
3MT winners may go on to represent their university at state, regional or national and international 3MT competitions which provides an excellent networking and professional development opportunity. Previous 3MT finalists have benefited from invitations to a variety of other networking events following their participation in the competition.
