Three-Minute Thesis Competition (3MT®)

Congratulations to the 2019 Finalists!

For the Masters Category:

• 1st Place: Nnaoma Agwu, Biomedical Engineering
• 2nd Place: Rachel Treat, Biology
• 3rd Place: Triston Cooper, Electrical and Computer Engineering

For the Doctoral Category:

• 1st Place: Michelle Bach, Health Care Ethics - will be sent to represent SLU at the regional competition in Milwaukee in April 2020!
• 2nd Place: Brittany Mersman, Biology
• 3rd Place: Stephen Scroggins, Public Health

Welcome to the website for the Second Annual Saint Louis University Three-Minute Thesis Competition (3MT®), sponsored by the Office of Graduate Education! The Three Minute Thesis (3MT® ) competition celebrates the exciting research conducted by Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Masters students. Developed by The University of Queensland (UQ), 3MT 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.

History

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. Due to its adoption in numerous universities, a multinational event was developed, and the Inaugural TransTasman 3MT competition was held at UQ in 2010. Since 2011, the popularity of the competition has increased and 3MT competitions are now held in over 600 universities across more than 65 countries worldwide. In November 2013, the first Universitas 21 (U21) 3MT competition was held with several universities from around the world competing in a virtual competition. 2016 brought an expansion of the Trans-Tasman 3MT competition to include a South-East Asia and North-East Asia. This competition is now called the Asia-Pacific 3MT competition.

Eligibility

Active PhD, Professional Doctorate (Research), and Masters candidates who have successfully passed their confirmation milestone (including candidates whose thesis is under submission) by the date of the presentation are eligible to participate in the 3MT competition. Graduates are not eligible.

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) is permitted.

- No additional props (e.g. costumes, musical instruments, laboratory equipment) are permitted.

- Presentations are limited to three minutes maximum and 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 judging panel is final.

Prizes

Doctoral Category:

• 1st Place: $750 (will also be sent to the regional competition in April to represent SLU)
• 2nd Place: $500
• 3rd Place: $250

Masters Category:

• 1st Place: $750
• 2nd Place: $500
• 3rd Place: $250

Judging Criteria

At every level of the competition each competitor will be assessed on the judging criteria listed below. Each criterion is equally weighted and has an emphasis on audience.

Comprehension & 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 nonspecialist audience?

- 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?

Engagement & Communication

- Did the oration make the audience want to know more?

- Was the presenter careful not to trivialise or generalise 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?