3MT Awards

• Eligibility

  Active Ph.D. candidates who have successfully passed their proposal defense by the date of their presentation, and who did not attend 3MT Competition before are eligible to participate.

  
  Rules

• Presentations are limited to 3 minutes and competitors exceeding 3 minutes are disqualified.
• 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 presentation.
• 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.

In the case of a high number of applications, there will be a preliminary round to determine the finalists. 

At every level of the competition, each competitor will be assessed on the judging criteria listed below. Note that participants will record and submit their presentations to the event coordinators.

Comprehension and 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 non-specialist 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 and Communication

• Did the oration make the audience want to know more?
• Was the presenter careful not to trivialize or generalize 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?
• Please note: competitors *will not* be judged on video/ recording quality or editing capabilities (optional inclusions). Judging will focus on the presentation, ability to communicate research to a non-specialist audience, and 3MT PowerPoint slide.

• Demo video: Sabine Dziemian - University of Zurich - University of Melbourne
• Demo video: Alexis Ceecee Zhang - University of Melbourne
• A demo on how to present your thesis in 3 minutes
• Videos of winning presentations from around the world
• How to Win the 3MT