Three Minute Thesis is Back this Fall!
The Three Minute Thesis Competition will take place on Tuesday, October 31 as part of our PhD Research Day event sponsored by the Office of the Associate Provost for Graduate Affairs and the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.
After taking a pause since 2019, the Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) competition at Boston University will resume this year as an opportunity to celebrate the dynamic research conducted by our PhD students.
Other events will include a Poster Presentation session and a Keynote address delivered by Dr. Lauren Easterling, Director of Trainee Services, Graduate Division and Assistant Professor of Clinical Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiology at Indiana University School of Medicine.
What is Three Minute Thesis (3MT®)?
Developed by The University of Queensland (UQ), this competition serves as a platform to cultivate academic, presentation, and research communication skills. As a participant, you will refine your ability to effectively convey your research in just three minutes, using language that is accessible to a non-specialist audience.
Why participate in 3MT®?
Participating in the Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition offers PhD students a transformative and multifaceted experience. The competition serves as an excellent opportunity for refining essential presentation and communication skills. By condensing their extensive research into a compelling three-minute pitch, participants learn to convey complex ideas with clarity and engagement. This skill becomes invaluable in various academic and professional contexts, where concise and impactful communication is key. Moreover, the 3MT competition instills the confidence needed to excel in public speaking.
Many students start the journey feeling nervous and unsure about presenting in front of diverse audiences. However, through rigorous practice sessions and the support of peers and mentors, participants grow in self-assurance, delivering their research with poise and conviction. This newfound confidence often extends beyond the competition, positively influencing their academic performance and overall self-belief in their capabilities.
All in all, the Three Minute Thesis competition offers PhD students a holistic and enriching experience. It equips them with vital skills that extend well beyond the event, positively impacting their academic and professional journey.
Prizes
There will be three winners for the Three Minute Thesis competition:
First Prize: $1500
Second Prize: $750
People’s Choice: $500
Register for Info Session (9/11)
Register for Info Session (9/19)
How will PDPA help you prepare for 3MT®?
We will offer two virtual workshops for those interested in participating in the 3MT® competition. The first will focus on “Crafting Your ‘Research Spiel’” and the second will focus on “Public Speaking to a Broad Audience.” A week before the qualifying heats we will also have a practice session where participants will be able to practice their presentations and get feedback from peers and PDPA staff members – several of whom are previous 3MT® winners. The preparation workshops are open to those who are interested, but not yet registered for the event.
What are the 3MT® Rules?
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 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, 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 adjudicating panel is final.
This application is now closed.