3MT Competition

logo of 3 Minute Thesis competition: image of clock with 3MT on it and then words Three Minute thesis
image of text that says 3MT Finals. Watch 12 Seniors Present Their Thesis Research. They Each Have 3 Minutes. April 23 @5pm, Fong Auditorium. Prizes awarded for 1st ($1000), 2nd ($500) and 3rd ($250) place.

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 $1000 (1st); $500 (2nd); and $250 (3rd).

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 Tuesday, April 23 at 5:00 p.m.

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 midnight. 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.

PRACTICE WORKSHOP: If you're interested in entering, you are welcome to attend a workshop on presenting your thesis research led by Expos 40 preceptor Nick Coburn-Palo on Wednesday, April 3 from 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m. in the Lowell House Screening Room. To register for this workshop, go to wcscheduler.fas.harvard.edu and click on "workshops."

Finalists will be notified by April 15. 

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 & 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

  • 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?

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 2023 winners and finalists on this page.

Questions? Email us.