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Purpose and Benefits:
Purpose and Benefits:
Build confidence in presenting research.
Learn to communicate complex ideas clearly to non-experts.
Show the value and impact of research beyond a specialist field.
Strengthen an academic CV with a recognised achievement in research communication.
Prizes include:
Prizes include:
1st place: R10 000 cash voucher
2nd place: Laptop and router
3rd place: Tablet and Rhodes University merchandise
Popular vote: Voucher
Practical Tips for Entrants:
Practical Tips for Entrants:
Choose a strong title that is catchy and reflects the main message of the research.
Focus on one clear takeaway rather than trying to cover every detail.
Write and rehearse the script multiple times to improve flow, confidence, and timing.
Use effective body language, facial expression, and eye contact.
Test the presentation on friends or family to check that it is easy to understand.
Use good lighting, record in a quiet space, keep the camera steady and frame the face and shoulders clearly.
Look at the camera rather than reading from a script.
Aim for high-quality video and clear audio so that your presentation is easy to watch and your message is easy to hear.
Eligibility:
Eligibility:
The competition is open to Rhodes University students only. Entrants may present any part of their project, including a proposal, literature review, early findings, or the full study.
Format and Rules:
The presentation must be no longer than 3 minutes; any video longer than 3 minutes may be cut at the limit.
Only the entrant may appear in the video.
Participants may film using a phone, either self-recorded or with help from another person behind the camera.
If a visual aid is used, it must be a single static PowerPoint slide or graphic.
No animations, transitions, or special effects are allowed.
The presentation should use clear, jargon-free language suitable for a general audience.
Who Can Enter?
Rhodes University Honours, Master’s, PhD students, and postdoctoral fellows - at any stage of study.
Past Entries:
Past Entries:
Rhodes has taken part in the Three Minute Thesis (3MT) since 2020, winning national competitions and showcasing excellent research communication.
2020
First year of 3MT at Rhodes – 109 entries, 89 admissible.
National winners: Takudzwa Comfort Madzivanzira & Blessing Mabate.
2021
122 entries, 99 admissible.
National winner: Siphokazi Msengana (second consecutive national win).
Watch 2021 entries
Read about the 2021 win
2022
Winner: Dr Lindokuhle Nene, who represented Rhodes at the SANORD conference in Norway.
Watch 2022 entries
2023 & 2024
Continued participation and excellence.
Visit the Centre for Postgraduate Studies for recent entries and details.
2025
30 entries, 9 admissible.
Winner: Deborah Akintola
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