What is Three Minute Thesis (3MT)
The Three Minute Thesis is an international competition for higher degree research students to showcase their research. Students present to an audience on what their research is and why it is important in plain language for three minutes, with only a single PowerPoint slide. The winner of the #ANU3MT final will go on to compete in the Asia Pacific final, held at the University of Queensland. In 2016 Joshua Chu-Tan from the John Curtin School of Medical Research won the 3MT Asia Pacific final in Brisbane and in 2014, Rosanna Stevens from the College of Arts and Social Sciences won second place and people's choice in the trans-Tasman final at the University of Western Australia.
Why participate in the 3MT?
The 3MT provides the opportunity for candidates to develop presentation skills that are crucial for a successful career post PhD, inside and outside of academia. If you are curious about the 3MT and developing your presentation skills, come along to the training on offer. There is no expectation on you to compete; we are keen for everyone to develop their skills and confidence with presenting research. Please note, only enrolled ANU HDR candidates may participate in the ANU 3MT Final.
#ANU3MT Final
The #ANU3MT ANU Final will be held on Wednesday 4th September 2019 at 6.00pm in Llewellyn Hall, ANU School of Music. Join us for an evening of smart entertainment and catch a glimpse of the amazing research projects that being conducted on campus by ANU PhD students suitable for whole family. On the night, thirteen finalists will wow you and the judges for the #ANU3MT 2019 crown, $4000 in prize money and a place in the 3MT Asia-Pacific grand final at the University of Queensland.
Prizes
College final
First prize: $1000 research support grant generously supported by Dean, Higher Degree Research
ANU final
- First prize: a place in the 3MT 2019 Asia Pacific final and $4000 research support grant generously supported by PARSA
- Runner up: $1000 research support grant generously funded by PARSA
- People's choice: $500 research support grant generously funded by PARSA
- Other finalists: $250 support grant generously funded by PARSA
- A prize will be given to a supervisor or panel member nominated by the ANU finalist winner, generously supported by Dean, Higher Degree Research
Asia-Pacific Final
- First prize: $5000 research travel grant.
- Runner up: $2000 research travel grant
- People's choice: $1000 research travel grant
We thank the Dean of Higher Degree Research and the Postgraduate and Research Students' Association (PARSA) for providing the research support grant funding for the College and ANU finals.
Eligibility
Active ANU PhD and Professional Doctorate (Research) candidates who have successfully passed their Submission of thesis proposal for review (TPR; including candidates whose thesis is under submission) are eligible to participate in 3MT competitions at all levels, including the Asia-Pacific 3MT competition. Graduates are not eligible.
MPhil and pre-TPR PhD and Professional Doctorate (Research) candidates who are active in program are eligible to participate in the ANU 3MT competition up to and including the College finals but cannot advance to the ANU 3MT final.
In 2018, a new rule was created to ensure fairness in the competition. ANU 3MT finalists are ineligible for any further competitions, at the school or college level. Instead, we encourage their participation and involvement as role models and ambassadors. Candidates that have participated in a school or college level and have not continued on to the ANU Final are welcome and encouraged to participate at the school or college level again.
Rules
- A single static PowerPoint slide is permitted (no slide transitions, animations or 'movement' of any description, 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, 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 movement or speech.
- The decision of the adjudicating panel is final.
Judging criteria
At every level of the competition each competitor will be assessed on the judging criteria listed below. Please note that each criterion is equally weighted and has an emphasis on audience.
Comprehension & content
- Did the presentation provide an understanding of the background to the research question being addressed and its significance?
- Did the presentation clearly describe the key results of the research including conclusions and outcomes?
- Did the presentation follow a clear and logical sequence?
- Was the thesis topic, key results and research significance and outcomes communicated in language appropriate to a non-specialist audience?
- Did the speaker avoid scientific jargon, explain terminology and provide adequate background information to illustrate points?
- 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?
How to enter the 3MT competition
The first step to competing in the 3MT is to participate in our campus wide training then compete in your School or College competition. Each of the seven Colleges at The Australian National University (ANU) run an in-house competition prior to the ANU final. The winner(s) from each College will receive a $1,000 research support grant and proceed to the ANU final at 6 pm, 4 September 2019 Llewellyn Hall, ANU.
To enquire about 3MT in your College email the following:
- ANU College of Arts and Social Sciences: research.students.cass@anu.edu.au
- ANU College of Asia and the Pacific: cap.hdr@anu.edu.au
- ANU College of Business and Economics: rsointernal.cbe@anu.edu.au
- ANU College of Engineering and Computer Science: research.cecs@anu.edu.au
- ANU College of Health & Medicine: science.hdr.sa@anu.edu.au
- ANU College of Law: researchdegrees.law@anu.edu.au
- ANU College of Science: science.hdr.sa@anu.edu.au
Resources
How-to videos
- 3MT: the three most common mistakes
- 3MT: three tips to help you prepare a winning presentation
- Three Minute Theatre: research pitch meets dramatic monologue
- Three Minute Theatre pitch in the style of Three Minute Thesis
Slide presentation and infographic
How to talk about your thesis in three minutes by Dr Inger Mewburn
Three steps to perfect your thesis pitch