Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) Competition

The Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) was originally developed by the University of Queensland (UQ), Australia. The goals of the competition are to highlight the excellent research conducted by graduate students and challenge students to develop communications skills to explain their complex and technical research in language appropriate to a non-specialist audience. 3MT Competitions are currently held in over 900 universities across more than 85 countries worldwide. Learn more about 3MT at Three Minute Thesis - University of Queensland (uq.edu.au).

• The competition is open to current RIT PhD students who have passed their qualifying exam or are in their third year of study or greater.
• Finalists must be available to compete in person on Monday, November 4th, 2024

• Presentations are limited to three minutes maximum and competitors exceeding three minutes are disqualified.
• Presentations are to be spoken word (i.e. no poems, raps, or songs).
• Presentations are considered to have commenced when presenters start their presentation through movement or speech.
• Presentations are to commence from the stage.
• A single static PowerPoint slide is permitted (no slide transitions, animations or ‘movement’ of any kind) and 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, laboratory equipment) are permitted.
• Zoom backgrounds are considered props. Please ensure your background is a blank screen or wall. 
• The decision of the adjudicating panel is final.

• First Prize: $1,500
• Runner-Up: $750
• People’s Choice: $250 - Sponsored by the Eugene H. Fram Chair in Applied Critical Thinking 

• For the preliminary submission, presenters will submit a recording of their 3MT Presentation (Zoom or YouTube link)
• Deadline to submit 3MT recording - September 27th  
• Finalists will be notified by October 21st
• In-Person Final Round Competition - November 4th, MAGIC Center, Wegmans Theater. Doors open at 5:00 PM. The competition begins at 5:30 PM.

The winner advances to the Northeastern Association of Graduate Schools (NAGS) Regional 3MT Competition (virtual) in Spring 2025
Are you ready to enter the competition? Begin here!

RIT Resources - The Expressive Communication Center (ECC)

• 3MT Prep Session Zoom Video and Presentation Slides
  This prep session provides strategies for presenting your research concisely and persuasively. Receive tips on public speaking, slide design, and body language to ensure your delivery is confident, clear, and impactful. Find out how to condense your research into a concise format with this presentation by experienced facilitators from the Expressive Communication Center.
  
  View the Prep Session Zoom video here
   
• Schedule an Individual Session with ECC to practice your presentation and receive personalized feedback in a one-on-one session: Expressive Communication Center | College of Liberal Arts | RIT
• Record your 3MT presentation with the professional recording equipment at the ECC, Wallace Library - Schedule an appointment: Expressive Communication Center | College of Liberal Arts | RIT

• Watch the 3MT Presentations:
  • 2024 Regional Competition: NAGS 3MT 2024- Regional 3MT competition hosted by UNH - UNH Media
  • 3MT University of Queensland: Three Minute Thesis - University of Queensland (uq.edu.au)
• 3MT Competitor Guide
  3MT video recording competitor guide - Three Minute Thesis - University of Queensland (uq.edu.au)
• University of Queensland FAQ page 
  Queensland FAQ for competitors

Comprehension and content

• Presentation provided clear motivation, background and significance to the research question
• Presentation clearly described the research strategy/design and the results/findings of the research
• Presentation clearly described the conclusions, outcomes and impact of the research

 Engagement and communication

• The oration was delivered clearly, and the language was appropriate for a non-specialist audience
• The PowerPoint slide was well-defined and enhanced the presentation
• The presenter conveyed enthusiasm for their research and captured and maintained the audience’s attention