AN 80,000 WORD THESIS WOULD TAKE 9 HOURS TO PRESENT. YOU HAVE… 3 MINUTES.

Competition Overview Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) is a research communication competition developed by The University of Queensland (UQ). Whereby PhD students have three minutes to present a compelling oration on their thesis and its significance. 3MT challenges students to consolidate their ideas and research discoveries so they can be presented concisely to a non-specialist audience. Developed by The University of Queensland (UQ) in 2008, enthusiasm for the 3MT concept and its adoption in numerous universities led to the development of an international competition.

Why Participate? Skills Development - The exercise develops academic, presentation and research communication skills, while developing research candidates’ ability to effectively explain their research Building Research and Relationships - 3MT provides a valuable opportunity for research higher degree candidates to come together, get to know one another and talk about their research. Prizes - students will have the opportunity to win $100, $500, $750, and $1,000 prizes

Prizes Qualifying Round Finalists (3): $100 Final Round 1 st prize = $1,000 2 nd price = $750 People’s Choice (audience vote)= $500

Eligibility Requirements Active Ph.D. candidates who have successfully passed their candidacy exams in the College of Engineering, Science, and Arts & Letters (including candidates whose thesis is under submission) by the date of their first presentation are eligible to participate in 3MT competitions at all levels. Ph.D. students who have graduated from the University are not eligible. Students participating in 3MT will be expected to attend 1 Professional Development workshop of their choosing in order to be eligible for division qualifying heats. Events can be found here.here

Progression Note: The winner of each heat is expected to represent their College at the next stage of the competition. If the winner is unable to attend the final, the runner-up will proceed to the next round of the competition in their place Notre Dame Finals (Graduate School) College of Science College of Engineering College of Arts & Letters College Qualifying Heat

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 Engagement and Communication Competitors are judged based on the two criteria listed below. Each criterion is equally weighted and has an emphasis on audience. 1.) 2.)

Event Details Qualifying Round -Run within each College -3 judges will determine 3 Finalists -Number of students allowed to participate will be at the discretion of the College -“Last Application In, First Application Out.” Final Round -Will be held on March 16, 2016 in Jordan auditorium -9 total participants -3-5 judges will determine 1 st and 2 nd prizes -An additional prize will be given based on audience results -All graduate students are encouraged to attend

Just Do It! Applications are now being accepted and can be found at You could be the Notre Dame 3MT Champion!