3MT The three minute thesis competition Started in University of Queensland as a way of getting HDR students to develop their oral communication skills Now unis all around Australia and New Zealand are involved Last year held in 17 countries – 170 universities http://threeminutethesis.org/about-3mt

What is the 3MT? 1 PowerPoint slide 3 minutes a panel of judges Now tell the world about your thesis topic and why it matters! Not dumbing down – rather, focus is on necessary skill of communicating with broad range of audiences

Judged according to... Comprehension Engagement Communication http://threeminutethesis.org/rules-judging-criteria also a People’s Choice award NOT about the value of your actual topic or research Focus is on presentation style there’s always some hook that drew you into the topic – use it to persuade others

Comprehension: 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?

Engagement: 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?

Communication: 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?

Why do it? Complex nature of the research means that we use a lot of technical language and jargon

How is research perceived? http://www.uq.edu.au/grad-school/3mt-2008 10 TV news program

Why does it matter to me? Around half of our HDRs stay in the academic world Funding bodies – community groups, industry groups want to know what’s in it for them

The Conversation htt Even if you do stay in academia, there is still a need to be able to communicate complex ideas in ordinary language The Conversation – “Academic rigour, journalistic flair” – academics getting their work out to a broader community http://theconversation.edu.au/pages/society http://theconversation.edu.au/pages/business http://theconversation.com/au/technology p://theconversation.com/an-asian-century-education-why-students-need-equal-access-to-overseas-study-15145

Eligibility To be eligible for the Three Minute Thesis competition, you must make sure you meet either of the following requirements: Active PhD candidates who have successfully passed their confirmation milestone by the date of their first presentation (including thesis under submission) are eligible to participate in all levels of the 3MT competition, including the 3MT® Trans-Tasman Competition . Graduates are not eligible. Professional Doctorate by Research candidates (a program composed of at least 2/3 research) who are funded via the Research Training Scheme are eligible. Professional Doctorate (coursework) students will not be eligible. Masters students will not be eligible for the 3MT® Trans-Tasman Competition . Please note: MPhil and pre-confirmation PhD candidates can't go through to University finals, but are encouraged to join in and be part of the fun at Faculty level.

Adelaide University Winner 2014 Harshavardini Padmanabhan

Adelaide University Winner 2013 Kaitlin Harkess http://www.adelaide.edu.au/3mt/past/2013/

Structure Similar to an Abstract Broad problem area/motivation – why? Research question/problem statement – what? How you did it /methodology or approach – how? Findings Conclusion/implications

2013 Trans-Tasman finalist Kelsey Kennedy University of Western Australia Feeling for cancer http://threeminutethesis.org/trans-tasman http://vimeo.com/84546240 Tell about the presentation = what is the starting point? Slide? Language and speed of delivery? Where does she stand, hands?

Slides – focus on what the visual elements can add to your story Use it to start communicating immediately

What should I think about? Title Starting point Structure (similar to an abstract) Vocab/language Humour? Slide Abstract: Broad problem area/ motivation – why? Research question/ problem statement – what? How you did it / methodology or approach – how? Findings Conclusion/implications

Willing to give it a go? Timeline 30 June Registrations close July/Aug Faculty heats 8 Sept Uni finals in Research Tuesdays 2 Oct National finals at UQ

Practice sessions Practice sessions from mid July onwards Contact the 3MT University Coordinator lea.mcbride@adelaide.edu.au

Further information Adelaide Uni website and links to finalists http://www.adelaide.edu.au/3mt/past/ National competition and links to finalists http://threeminutethesis.org/trans-tasman-winners