3 Minute Thesis Competition Overview

Can you explain your thesis or dissertation in just three minutes?

The Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) is a research communication competition. Participants work to convey their research and its significance in a short presentation that is understandable by a general audience, assisted only by one PowerPoint slide. Each presentation is judged on a specific set of criteria focusing on both the content of the speech and the quality of its delivery. 3MT is an excellent way for students to cultivate their academic, presentation, and research communication skills, on top of showcasing the incredible work being done by graduate students at Rowan University. 

3MT was originally developed by the University of Queensland in Australia, and has since spread to over 900 universities in over 85 countries around the world. The School of Graduate Studies at Rowan is very excited to add our name to that list, and we can’t wait to hear about the work you’re doing!

The Event

Location: South Jersey Technology Park, Room 246/247 OR through WebEx
Date and Time: April 3rd, 2023 | 6:30-8:30pm
RSVP HERE

Prizes

First Place Doctoral Presentation: $300 
First Place Master’s Student: $300
Audience Choice: $100

Rules for the Live Event

• 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, raps 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.

Judging Criteria

Comprehension and Content

• Presentation provided clear 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

Student Participants

Doctoral Competitors

Master's Competitors

Judges