3 Minute Thesis

3 Minute Thesis

An international competition for Higher Degree by Research (HDR) students

3 Minute Thesis

An international competition for Higher Degree by Research (HDR) students

The 3 Minute Thesis (3MT) is an international competition run by the University of Queensland that challenges you to tell a succinct yet impactful story about your research. 

Test your skills and learn how to cut through with your message in a time-poor world challenged by information overload.

This year University of Sydney offers the following prizemoney for its 3MT competition finalists:

  • Winner: AUD $3,000
  • 1st runner-up: AUD $1,000
  • 2nd runner-up: AUD $500

Learn more about 3MT

Visit the University of Queensland website

What's involved

Your task is to give a three-minute presentation summarising your research, and its value to society, in front of a non-specialist audience.

Preliminary competition heats are held within the University faculties. The winners of these heats will then compete in the University of Sydney final, where the University winner will be selected by a jury. The first-place winner of the University final will then compete at the national finals against winners from other universities.

Eligibility

Active PhD candidates and Professional Doctorate Research candidates (program composed of at least 2/3 research and eligible for RTP) who have successfully passed their confirmation milestone can participate in 3MT competitions. 

Judging criteria

At every level of the competition, each competitor will be assessed on the judging criteria oulined below. Each criterion is equally weighted.

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.

 

How to apply

Students can apply for the competition through their faculty or school. Each University faculty and school has a nominated 3MT coordinator who is responsible for supporting student applications and managing the competition heats process. See below for the contact details of 3MT coordinators.

Congratulations

Congratulations to Nigel Maher, our Sydney winner, for receiving a Highly Commended award in the U21 Global 3MT final and for being a runner-up in the Asia-Pacific 3MT final for 2024.

See all finalists

Past winners

Past winners of the University of Sydney finals