The Three Minute Thesis Competition (3MT®) celebrates exciting research conducted by PhD students worldwide. Developed by The University of Queensland, the annual competition is open to all Australian universities.

The competition challenges research students to present a compelling oration on their thesis in just three minutes, using language suitable for an intelligent, but non-specialist audience. Competitors are allowed one slide, but no other visual resources.

VU 3MT Winner in 2021 Asia-Pacific Final

VU's 3MT Finals winner, Sarah Mokrzycki, has excelled in the 3MT Asia-Pacific Semi-Finals. With entrants from 54 universities across Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore showcased, the competition was tough. Sarah's compelling presentation "The importance and benefit of family diversity in Australian picture books" won over the judges, and she is one of only 9 finalists.

The 2021 Asia-Pacific 3MT final was held on Wednesday 20 October at 2pm. Audience members got to vote on the People's Choice during the livestream.

Eligibility

Active PhD and Professional Doctorate (research) candidates who have successfully passed their confirmation milestone by the date of the first heat, including candidates whose thesis is under submission, are eligible to participate in 3MT competitions.

Graduates are not eligible.

Benefits of participating

The range of benefits include:

  • development of your public speaking, communication and networking skills
  • generation of public and media interest in your research
  • increasing your ability to translate your research into everyday language
  • participation of research training workshops through the Graduate Research School
  • having fun and winning prizes.

Rules

  • A single static PowerPoint slide is permitted. No slide transitions, animations or 'movement' of any description is allowed. The slide is to be presented from the beginning of the oration.
  • No additional electronic media (e.g. sound and video files).
  • No additional props (e.g. costumes, musical instruments, laboratory equipment).
  • Presentations are limited to 3 minutes maximum, competitors exceeding 3 minutes will be disqualified.
  • Presentations are to be spoken word, but no poems, raps or songs are allowed.
  • 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 & 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 & 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?

Previous winners

The 3MT Final on 14 September had eight doctoral research candidates presenting their research in three minutes using one single slide.

Winner & People’s Choice

Sarah Mokrzycki from the Institute for Sustainable Industries & Liveable Cities won the University’s Three Minute Thesis final with her presentation on The importance of family diversity in Australian picture books.

She will represent Victoria University at the 3MT Final at the University of Queensland on Thursday 27 September 2018.

Runner Up

Ruwangi Fernando from the Institute for Sustainable Industries & Liveable Cities won the runner-up prize with her presentation on By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.

3MT VU Grand Final Competitors

  • Peter Le Noury (Institute for Health and Sport)
  • Rahul Wadhwani (Institute for Sustainable Industries & Liveable Cities)
  • Helen Hadiyan (Institute for Health and Sport)
  • Brigitte Marie Pascal (Institute for Sustainable Industries & Liveable Cities)
  • Sarah Mokrzycki (Institute for Sustainable Industries & Liveable Cities)
  • Sam McIntosh (Institute for Health and Sport)
  • Ruwangi Fernando (Institute for Sustainable Industries & Liveable Cities)
  • Sudha Subramani (Institute for Sustainable Industries & Liveable Cities)

The VU 3MT Final held on 25 August 2017 saw six doctoral research candidates battle it out, presenting their research in a nail-biting three minutes.

Winner

Gabriela Byrne won the University’s Three-minute Thesis final for her presentation Preventing problem gambling relapse.

She will represent Victoria University at the 3MT Final at the University of Queensland on 29 September 2017.

Runner up

Elizabeth Sidiropoulos won the runner-up prize for her presentation Legacy or Leadership: The Contribution of Higher Education to Student Learning for Sustainability.

People’s Choice

Subhan Iswahyudi won the People’s Choice prize for his presentation Ethical Leadership Influences in Business-to-Business Marketing.

3MT VU Grand Final Competitors

  • Gabriela Byrne
  • Subhan Iswahyudi
  • Kate Kelly
  • Elizabeth Sidiropoulos
  • Ananya Thomas
  • Anbharasi Vanangamudi

The VU 3MT Final held on 26 August 2016 saw eight doctoral research candidates battle it out to present their research in a nail-biting 3 minutes.

Winner

Mary Woessner won the University's final for her presentation: BEET Heart Failure. Mary also won the People’s Choice prize and represented VU at the 3MT Asia Pacific Final at the University of Queensland in September 2016.

Runners up

  • Cara Timpani for her presentation: Metabolic Therapy as a Superhero Treatment for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
  • Ghofran Al-Nasiri for her presentation: Microencapsulation of Natural Additives in Packaging for Safer and Saved Food.

3MT VU Grand Final competitors

  • Ikechukwu (Anthony) Ike
  • Mary Woessner
  • Cara Timpani
  • Sherryl Clark
  • Luca Oppici
  • Alireza Eseaeili
  • Sompasong Phommasane
  • Ghofran Al-Nasiri

Further information

For further information, contact the Graduate Research School on +61 3 9919 4522 or email researcher.development@vu.edu.au.