3MT®

An 80,000 word PhD thesis would take 9 hours to present: their time limit is 3 minutes! 3MT® was first developed by the University of Queensland, and is now a global initiative with around 80 UK universities taking part in the Vitae 3MT® national competition each year.

Participation in the competition helps PhD researchers to build their confidence and hone their presentation and communication skills. It is also a great way for others to find out about the exciting and varied research going on across the University at doctoral level.

  • The 3MT® Initial Heats
  • The 3MT® Semi-Finals
  • The 3MT® Final

3MT® 2025 dates will be announced soon!

2024 Final Highlights

Previous Winners

2024 - James McMullan, Start young, live long: Is reeling in a tasty catch the secret to longevity?, Faculty of Life and Health Sciences
2023 - Erin McEvoy, A new public health approach to reduce gambling related harms amongst Irish women, Faculty of Life and Health Sciences
2022 - Yasna Najmi, A herbal alternative treatment for Peri-Mucositis, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences
2021 - Holly Neill, Forget pigs in blankets. Is it time for pigs in sunbeds?, Faculty of Life and Health Sciences
2020 - Emma Nolan, How does that make you feel? The Psychological Staple that Continues to Prompt Research, Faculty of Life and Health Sciences
2019 - Oluwashina Akinsanmi, Antibiotic resistance crisis: The sawdust redemption, Faculty of Life and Health Sciences

About the Competition

At every level of the competition each competitor will be assessed on the judging criteria listed below. 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.

Rules and Criteria

  • Eligibility

    Active PhD and Professional Doctorate (Research) candidates who have successfully passed their Confirmation of Registration assessment, i,e. at the end of first year (or part time equivalent) (including candidates whose thesis is under submission) by the date of their first presentation are eligible to participate in the 3MT® competition.

    If you are competing, or thinking of competing this year, please check out the full competition details, including rules and judging criteria.

  • 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

    • Did the presentation provide an understanding of the background to the research question being addressed and its significance?
    • Did the presentation clearly describe the key results of the research including conclusions and outcomes?
    • Did the presentation follow a clear and logical sequence?
    • Was the thesis topic, key results and research significance and outcomes communicated in language appropriate to a non-specialist audience?
    • Did the speaker avoid scientific jargon, explain terminology and provide adequate background information to illustrate points?
    • Did the presenter spend adequate time on each element of their presentation - or did they elaborate for too long on one aspect or was the presentation rushed?

    Engagement and communication

    • Did the oration make the audience want to know more?
    • Was the presenter careful not to trivialise or generalise their research?
    • Did the presenter convey enthusiasm for their research?
    • Did the presenter capture and maintain their audience's attention?
    • Did the speaker have sufficient stage presence, eye contact and vocal range; maintain a steady pace, and have a confident stance?
    • Did the PowerPoint slide enhance the presentation - was it clear, legible, and concise?

Prizes

Winner of Ulster 3MT®

£300 and trophy

Runner Up

£100 and trophy

Finalists

£50 Amazon Voucher

The People’s Choice Award

£100 and Trophy

Why do the 3MT®?