Three Minute Thesis Competition
Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) is a research communication competition developed by the University of Queensland. First run in 2008, 3MT® has grown to become a global competition, with universities around the world holding their own events. The exercise challenges doctoral students to present a compelling talk on their thesis topic and its significance in just 180 seconds to a non-specialist audience.
3 Minutes, 1 Slide…..Your Thesis!
A 50,000 word thesis would take 7 hours to present; how about in just 3 minutes with the aid of a single slide? We are inviting DPhil students to do just that.
The annual 3 Minute Thesis competition challenges doctoral candidates to present a compelling spoken presentation on their research topic and its significance in just three minutes to a non-specialist audience.
Training is available during March and April, with the Oxford Final on Wednesday 4th June 2025.
THE BENEFITS
The competition will help you to develop your communication skills, vital to raise awareness of your work, seek support and obtain funding. You will be able to develop ways of explaining complex ideas in a way that is accessible and engaging for a non-specialist audience, raise the profile of your work, enhance your CV, and network with like-minded researchers.
TRAINING
Specialist training is provided to all participants to help develop their pitch. Training takes your through the key ingredients to craft a compelling three minute presentation about your thesis work, and have the chance to get feedback on your presentations.
Tuesday 25th March 2025 from 2-4pm [https://www.mpls.ox.ac.uk/training/courses/3mt]
Friday 25th April 2025 from 1-3pm [https://www.mpls.ox.ac.uk/training/courses/3-minute-thesis]
HOW TO APPLY TO COMPETE
The final will take place 10am-12pm on Wednesday 4th June at the Careers Service.
At the final you will deliver your Three Minute Thesis to a panel of judges.
By registering for the competition you confirm that you are available to attend the final and are eligible (check eligibility criteria).
APPLICATIONS FOR THE FINAL ARE NOW OPEN- APPLICATION FORM
If you decide you no longer want to compete you can withdraw at any time by giving notice via email.
ELIGIBILITY
Active DPhil and Professional Doctorate (Research) candidates who have successfully passed their confirmation milestone (including candidates whose thesis is under submission) by the date of their first presentation are eligible to participate in 3MT competitions at all levels. If you have already sat the Viva Voce examination you are not eligible. Post-doctoral Graduates are not eligible.
TIMELINE
- Training: Tuesday 25th March 2025 or Friday 25th April 2025
- Deadline to apply to the competition: Midday, 7th May 2025
- Oxford Final: Wednesday 4th June 10am-12pm
- Early July: National semi-finals
- Aug/Sept: National finalists announced by Vitae
- Vitae National Final: October 2025. Online broadcast.
THE 2025 OXFORD COMPETITION
The 2025 Oxford final will take place on Wednesday 4th June 10am-12pm.
WATCH ENTRIES FROM PREVIOUS WINNERS
1st prize winner 2024: Dylan Sherman
Additional information
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
- Did the presenter provide clear motivation, background and significance to the research question?
- Did the presentation clearly describe the research strategy/design and the results/findings?
- Did the presentation clearly describe the conclusions, outcomes and impact of the research?
Engagement and communication
- Was the oration delivered clearly, with language appropriate to a non-specialist audience?
- Was the PowerPoint slide well-defined and did it enhance the presentation?
- Did the presenter convey enthusiasm for their research and capture/maintain the audience's attention?