Three-Minute Thesis

We encourage you to attend an Insider Session! In any of the sessions, you’ll learn the best ways to prepare your presentation, how to make your research appeal to a lay audience, and the rules and guidelines for participating in the 3MT competition.

Competition Rules

• Presentations are limited to three minutes maximum, and competitors exceeding three minutes are disqualified.
• Presentations are to be spoken word (e.g,. no poems, raps, or songs).
• Presentations are considered to have commenced when a presenter starts their presentation through either movement or speech.
• A single static PowerPoint slide is permitted. No slide transitions, animations, or movement) and 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.
• The decision of the adjudicating panel is final.

Judging Criteria

Presentations will be judged on the following:

Comprehension and Content

• Did the presentation provide clear motivation, background, and significance to the research question? 
• Did the presentation clearly describe the research strategy/design and the results/findings of the research?
• Did the presentation clearly describe the conclusions, outcomes, and impact of the research?

Engagement and Communication

• Was the oration delivered clearly, and the language appropriate for a non-specialist audience?
• Was the PowerPoint slide well-defined, and did it enhance the presentation?
• Did the presenter convey enthusiasm for their research?
• Did the presenter capture and maintain their audience's attention?

To view videos of successful 3MT presentations, visit the founding university’s 3MT Website.

The idea for the 3MT competition came about at a time when the state of Queensland was suffering from severe drought. To conserve water, residents were encouraged to time their showers, and many people had a three-minute egg timer fixed to the wall in their bathroom. The then Dean of the University of Queensland Graduate School, Emeritus Professor Alan Lawson, put two and two together, and the idea for the 3MT competition was born: to challenge graduate students to describe their research in under three minutes to a general audience.

The first 3MT competition was held at UQ in 2008, with 160 students competing. In 2009 and 2010, the 3MT competition was promoted to other Australian and New Zealand universities, and enthusiasm for the concept grew. Due to its adoption in numerous universities, a multi-national event was developed, and the Inaugural Trans-Tasman 3MT competition was held at UQ in 2010. Since 2011, the popularity of the competition has increased, and 3MT competitions are now held in over 600 universities and institutions across 59 countries worldwide.

The 3MT® competition was first developed by the University of Queensland in 2008, and they have prepared a comprehensive set of rules and judging criteria. The competition will employ these same guidelines. 

Develop Skills

Participation in the Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) competition develops presentation and research communication skills, while honing graduate students' ability to effectively explain the breadth and significance of their research to a non-specialist audience. The ability to clearly and concisely articulate complex research to non-specialist audiences is a vital skill for all graduate students. Participating in the 3MT competition helps students develop communication skills, allows them to share and take pride in their work, and offers the chance to compete for prizes.

Foster Research Culture on Campus

The 3MT competition provides a valuable opportunity for graduate students to come together, get to know one another, and talk about their research. It also gives undergraduates, alumni, industry partners, and the community at large the opportunity to be exposed to the breadth of research taking place at Idaho State University.

Build Your Network

3MT winners will also compete in the state of Idaho 3MT competition against Boise State University and the University of Idaho. Additionally, the 1st place winner will represent ISU at the Western Association of Graduate Schools (WAGS) 3MT conference, which provides an excellent networking and professional development opportunity.

Obtain Bragging Rights

Have the chance to win up to $2,000 to impress your friends and colleagues!

Win Monetary Prizes

The judges will score based on the judging criteria. The final scores will indicate our 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners. All participants will be voted on by audience members for the People’s Choice Award.

Prizes will be as follows:

1st place: $2,000

2nd place: $1,500

3rd place: $1,000

People’s Choice: $500