2026 3MT Competition

logo of 3 Minute Thesis competition: image of clock with 3MT on it and then words Three Minute thesis

WHAT IS IT? The Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) is an academic research communication competition developed by The University of Queensland (UQ), Australia. While the original 3MT was designed for graduate students, we have adapted the competition for Harvard College senior thesis writers.

Three-Minute Thesis offers seniors the opportunity to create an accessible and interesting presentation of their senior thesis research for an audience of non-specialists. Prizes will be awarded by a panel of faculty judges. Prizes include $900 (1st); $500 (2nd);  $250 (3rd); $100 (audience choice prize).

WHEN IS IT? The deadline to submit a video entry for the first round is April 10 at 11:59 p.m. The final round of the 3MT® will take place live and in-person on  Wednesday, April 22 at 4:00 p.m. If you are selected for the final round, you must be available at that time.

HOW TO ENTER: To be considered for the final round of the competition, please submit a 3-minute video of your proposed speech to us by April 10 at 11:59 p.m. Your video presentation should be no longer than 3 minutes, but you can take extra time at the beginning to introduce yourself. You can record your video on any platform and then submit it by sending us a link to your video through this form.

3MT® 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 3 minutes maximum and competitors exceeding 3 minutes are disqualified.
  • Presentations are to be spoken word (e.g., no poems 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.

3MT® JUDGING CRITERIA

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

FAQ

Can I enter 3MT with something other than a thesis? No. This event is only for thesis writers. We may sponsor future events that will be open to students working on all types of research projects.

Can I enter with my creative thesis? If you wrote a senior thesis, you can enter, no matter the topic or concentration.  But please note, you cannot read excerpts from your thesis. You must give a presentation about your thesis.

Where can I see sample presentations? You can see the 2025 winners and finalists on this page.

Questions? Email us.