Three Minute Thesis (3MT™) is a research communication competition developed by The University of Queensland in Australia. It aims to cultivate students’ academic, presentation, and research communication skills. Presenting in a 3MT competition increases students’ capacity to effectively explain their research in three minutes, in a language appropriate to a non-specialist audience
On May 17th, 2017 Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences organized the first Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition. 14 successful FENS PhD candidates presented their research, each in three minutes. At this exciting and fun day, after thoughtful deliberation, our panel of guest judges declared the winner and the runner-up:
Winner
Runner-up
People's Choice
People's Choice
At every level of the competition each competitor will be assessed on the judging criteria listed below.
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 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?