Three-Minute Thesis (3MT®)

The Three-Minute Thesis (3MT®) competition celebrates the exciting research conducted by graduate students. Developed by the University of Queensland (UQ), the exercise cultivates students' academic, presentation, and research communication skills. The competition supports their capacity to effectively explain their research in three minutes, in a language appropriate to a non-specialist audience. The first 3MT® competition was held at UQ in 2008, with 160 research higher degree students competing.

In 2009 and 2010, the 3MT® competition was promoted to other Australian and New Zealand universities, and enthusiasm for the concept grew.

Eligibility

Currently enrolled master’s and doctoral degree students in all disciplines at North Carolina Central University (NCCU) will be eligible to participate in 3MT®. The work presented must have been conducted at NCCU. Graduates from previous academic years are not eligible. If you have any questions, please contact Malia Lyles at [email protected].

Why Should You Participate?

Participation in this competition offers several benefits:

• Skill Development: 3MT® training will refine your presentation and public speaking abilities, enabling you to concisely communicate the importance of your research.
• Career Boost: Whether in academia or another field, showcasing your presentation skills can help you navigate different career paths and chase your career dreams. 
• Networking: You'll meet peers and create a sense of camaraderie by discussing your research with classmates and colleagues.
• Research Impact: 3MT® provides you with the opportunity to explain the impact of your research to the entire NCCU community.
• Recognition and Rewards: Being part of the globally recognized 3MT® competition enhances your CV, and it offers you the chance to secure monetary prizes!
  • The first-place winner will receive $1,200 in funding.
  • The second-place winner will receive $750 in funding.
  • The third-place winner will receive $500 in funding.
  • The audience choice winner will receive $350 in funding.

3MT® Resource Guide

The University of Queensland, founder and host of the international 3MT® competition, has prepared a 3MT® competitor guide. This guide offers advice for preparing your 3MT speech and slide, presentation tips, and how to record and prepare your 3MT video.

Location: New Student Center Senate Chamber (Auditorium)

Date: Wednesday, October 8, 2025

Time: 3:30–9:30 p.m.

Deadline for submissions: Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at 11:59 p.m.

Competition 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, or laboratory equipment) are permitted.
• Presentations are limited to 3 minutes maximum, and competitors exceeding 3 minutes will be 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.

3MT® Judging Criteria

All presentations will be evaluated and scored using the following criteria, as established by the international competition.

Comprehension and Content

• Did the presentation provide an understanding of the background and significance to the research question being addressed while explaining terminology and avoiding jargon?
• Did the presentation clearly describe the impact and/or results of the research, including conclusions and outcomes?
• Did the presentation follow a clear and logical sequence?
• Was the thesis topic, research significance, results/impact and outcomes communicated in language appropriate to a non-specialist audience?
• Did the presenter spend adequate time on each element of their presentation? If not, 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 trivialize or generalize 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?

Some more 3MT® examples can be found at the following link: https://threeminutethesis.uq.edu.au/watch-3mt.

A great deal of additional information can be found at the official 3MT site, including useful FAQs and rules. Keep in mind that some of the rules specific to their competition will not be the same at NCCU.

A few specific links from this site that may be of interest are included below:

• Tips for a compelling 3MT® presentation
• Examples
• Judging criteria

Questions?

Reach out to Malia Lyles ([email protected]) for more information about this event.

We would like to thank all of our participants, staff, sponsors and volunteers who help make this event possible!

Submit Your Registration

To participate, students must complete the registration and material. This includes providing their name, degree program, thesis/project advisor's name, academic department, thesis/project title, and an abstract of the presentation. Additionally, students are required to sign the media consent form.

Submission Deadline: Wednesday, September 17, 2025 (11:59 p.m.).