The 3MT competition was developed by the University of Queensland, whose website provides the following history of the competition. The idea for the 3MT competition came about at a time when the state of Queensland was suffering severe drought. To conserve water, residents were encouraged to time their showers, and many people had a three minute egg timer fixed to the wall in their bathroom. The then Dean of the UQ Graduate School, Emeritus Professor Alan Lawson, put two and two together and the idea for the 3MT competition was born.
The first 3MT competition was held at UQ in 2008 with 160 Higher Degree by Research students competing. In 2009 and 2010 the 3MT competition was promoted to other Australian and New Zealand universities and enthusiasm for the concept grew. Due to its adoption in numerous universities, a multi-national event was developed, and the Inaugural Trans-Tasman 3MT competition was held at UQ in 2010. Since 2011, the popularity of the competition has increased and 3MT competitions are now held in over 600 universities and institutions across 65 countries worldwide.
why participate?
Fame and fortune With prizes of $1000 for the winner, $500 for second, and $250 for the People’s Choice, the question is, why not participate? Moreover, the winner advances to a regional competition and a chance to compete on a larger stage.
Skills development for research candidates Preparing and delivering a 3MT talk develops academic, presentation, and research communication skills, while emphasizing students’ ability to explain their research effectively in language appropriate to a non-specialist audience.
Building research culture throughout the campus 3MT provides a valuable opportunity for students to come together across disciplinary boundaries, get to know one another, and talk about their research in a supportive and fun environment.
Building external relations for the university 3MT is an excellent networking opportunity. Previous 3MT finalists have made connections that continue beyond the competition.
Judging Criteria
At every level of the competition each competitor will be assessed on the two judging criteria listed below. Please note that each criterion is equally weighted and has an emphasis on audience.
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
To register to compete in the 3MT Competition at UNCG, please complete and submit the registration form. Once registration has closed, we will contact you with your assigned preliminary round date and time.
Logistics
UNCG’s 3MT competition is open to currently enrolled master’s thesis and doctoral dissertation students only. Participation will be limited to the first 60 master’s or doctoral students to register.
Registration is now OPEN for the 2024 3MT Competition.
UNCG will hold a maximum of four qualifying rounds for approximately 15 students each. These qualifying rounds will occur on Wednesday, Thursday, or Monday, October 23, 24, or 28 from 10:00-11:30 am or 1:30-3:00 pm in the Elliott University Center. Participants will be assigned randomly based on their registered availability.
Approximately ten (10) individuals will be selected from the qualifying rounds to participate in the final round. The final round will occur on Tuesday, November 5th, from 2:00-3:00 pm in the Alumni House. First place ($1,000), second place ($500), and People’s Choice ($250) winners will be selected and announced at the end of the competition on November 5th. Participants are eligible to win a place award and People’s Choice, which is voted on by the audience.
The first-place winner may accompany a representative of UNCG’s Graduate School to the Council of Southern Graduate School’s annual meeting in Dallas, TX, to compete March 20-21, in the conference’s regional 3MT competition. Please note: This is dependent on funding and the number of registrants CSGS will accept. If an individual is sent from UNCG, the Graduate School at UNCG will provide transportation and lodging.
*For First, Second, and People’s Choice Winners: The monetary award will be posted to your University student account. If you have a zero balance when the award posts, the cashier’s office will issue you a refund check for the total amount. If you have a current balance, your award will pay that balance first, and any remaining funds will be issued as a refund check. If you received Federal financial aid in 2024-2025, your loan debt may be reduced by the amount of this award.
Need help preparing your slide or 3-minute presentation?
3MT Competitor Guide
Click here for important information about drafting your message, slide suggestions, and presentation information from the 3MT founding institution, the University of Queensland.
The Digital Media Commons
The Digital Media Commons can help with your technology needs! Visit their desk in the lower level of the library for assistance with questions about multimedia technology or to use/reserve space to work. Students can also make an appointment with staff for assistance, such as if they have questions concerning images that can be used or are new to using PowerPoint. There is also a Presentation Practice Room, which students can reserve to practice their talk, record their session, watch, and review.
The University Speaking Center provides consultation support and instructional workshop services for UNCG students, faculty, employees, and members of the Greensboro community. Support is designed to help speakers further develop their oral communication confidence and competence. Consultants provide peer-to-peer feedback, guidance, and other support in public speaking preparation and delivery, interpersonal communication, and group or team communication.
The Speaking Center is located on the third floor of 3211 MHRA, on the corner of Forest and Spring Garden, across the street from the Mossman Building, along with the Writing Center.
First place: Farhat Chowdhury, Economics, How does providing free menstrual products in schools affect test scores: Evidence from New York Faculty Mentor: Dora Gicheva
Second place: Tamera Jones, Chemistry & Biochemistry, Experiences of marginalized women pursuing doctoral degrees in chemistry: The critical role of recognition Faculty Mentor: Maia Popova
To view photos from last year, click Here! Fill out this form for any Merlin issues
Lexi Kier, Kinesiology Faculty Mentor: Dr. Eric Drollette Bridging Racial Inclusive Disparities Gapping Electroencephalography (EEG) Research.
Panesun Tukur, Nanoscience Faculty Mentor: Dr. Jianjun Wei NanoNexus: Uniting Nanoparticles for Catalytic Supercharge
Tamera Jones, Chemistry & Biochemistry Faculty Mentor: Dr. Maia Popova Experiences of marginalized women pursuing doctoral degrees in chemistry: The critical role of recognition
Madeline Kujabi, Peace and Conflict Studies Faculty Mentor: Dr. Marcia Hale Rhythms of Peace: Unveiling the Power of Indigenous Ritual Dances
Kendra Bryant Aya, Women’s Gender and Sexuality Studies Faculty Mentor: Dr. Amy Vetter Lorde Have Mercy: Calling (Inside) Out Social Justice Educators
Farhat Chowdhury, Economics Faculty Mentor: Dr. Dora Gicheva How does providing free menstrual products in schools affect test scores: Evidence from New York (JMP)
Aleiza Higgins, Kinesiology Faculty Mentors: Dr. Louisa Raisbeck & Dr. Scott Ross Practicing CPR to Keep Athletes “Stayin’ Alive”
Ashley Herring Nicholas, Nanoscience Faculty Mentor: Dr. Eric Josephs Tailoring CRISPR-Cas9 Gene Editing for Precision Medicine
Amanda Barclift, Kinesiology Faculty Mentor: Dr. Louisa Raisbeck The Effects of Physical Activity throughout a 12-week Balance Intervention Program with Attentional Focus Instructions in Older Adults
Zachary Bunch, Biology Faculty Mentor: Dr. Kimberly Komatsu Impacts of Patch Burn Grazing on the Invertebrate Communities of Kansas Rangelands
