Three Minute Thesis Competition

About the competition

The Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) is an academic research communication competition developed by The University of Queensland (UQ), Australia.

Three Minute Thesis heats are held across the University of Canberra’s faculties each year. The finalists progress to the UC 3MT Finals where they will present their thesis at a live event in front of a panel of judges.

Competitors needed to convince the judges and audience of their research significance in no more than three minutes, for a chance to win the $4,000 first place prize, $2,000 for the runner up, and $1,000 people’s choice prize.

#UC3MT #UniCBR

2024 Enquiries

Past finalists

2023 3MT finalists

View the finalists’ profiles and video pitches and watch the 2023 UC 3MT livestreamed final.

Winner: Senada Meskin, Faculty of Arts and Design
Runner-Up: Sara Chica Latorre, Faculty of Health
People’s Choice Award: Sara Chica Latorre, Faculty of Health

View 2023 finalists

2022 3MT finalists

View the finalists’ profiles and video pitches and watch the 2022 UC 3MT livestreamed final.

Winner: David Hinwood, Faculty of Science and Technology
Runner-Up: Natalie Downes, Faculty of Education
People’s Choice Award: Natalie Downes, Faculty of Education

View 2022 finalists

2021 3MT finalists

View the finalists’ profiles and video pitches and watch the 2021 UC 3MT livestreamed final.

Winner: Dua’a Ahmad, Faculty of Science and Technology
Runner-Up: Alex Lascu, Faculty of Health
People’s Choice Award: Jane Phuong, Faculty of Business, Government and Law

View 2021 finalists

Prize list

Major prize

$4,000 towards the candidate's research funds

Runner up prize

$2,000 towards the candidate's research funds

People's Choice Award

$1,000 towards the candidate's research funds

Eligibility

All Higher Degree by Research candidates may participate in training and faculty heats.

Doctoral candidates who have passed confirmation are eligible for the UC Finals and can proceed to the Asia Pacific 3MT semi-finals.

Not eligible to proceed to the UC Finals or Asia-Pacific 3MT competition:

Masters (MPhil and coursework)
Professional Doctorate
Any HDR candidate who has not passed confirmation

Competition 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.

Judging criteria

Comprehension and content

Presentation provided clear background and significance to the research question
Presentation provided clear positionality of the presenter to the research and research approach
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