The Three Minute Thesis Competition, or 3MT®, first held at The University of Queensland in 2008, is an academic competition that challenges graduate students to present a compelling oration on their thesis/dissertation topic and its significance to a non-expert audience in just three minutes using a single, static slide.
The competition consists of two rounds. Graduate students from all disciplines are invited to participate in the first round. Up to 12 students will be selected to compete in the final round. Final round judges will select first and second place winners, and the audience will select a people's choice award winner. The first place presenter will represent K-State at theMidwestern Association of Graduate Schools(MAGS) 3MT® Competition on April 4.
Must be enrolled in a master's or doctoral program at Kansas State University in the Spring 2024 semester.
A student’s program of study must contain an original research project. The degree program need not formally require a thesis or dissertation. However, the 3MT® presentation topic must cover the original research project that is being conducted as part of the student's K-State graduate degree program.
The presentation must address research the participant conducted during their graduate career at K-State (not undergraduate research or graduate research conducted at another institution).
Students are not required to have reached a particular point in their research, but those who are further along in their research activity are likely to be more competitive.
Graduate students must receive approval from their major professor prior to registering for the competition.
The first place winners from previous competitions are not eligible to compete this year; previous second place and people's choice award winners are eligible to participate in this year's competition.
Present a compelling oration of your original research topic and its significance using language appropriate for a non-specialist audience
Presentations are to be spoken word (e.g., no poems, raps or songs)
Time limit: 3 minutes. Competitors exceeding 3 minutes are disqualified
Prepare a single, static PowerPoint slide that represents the purpose and importance of your original research; no slide transitions, animations, or 'movement' of any type are allowed; the slide is to be presented from the beginning of the oration
Props, sounds, and other materials may NOT be included in the presentation
Presentations are considered to have commenced when a presenter starts their presentation through either movement or speech
Being successful in the 3MT involves much more than summarizing your research in three minutes. You need to be able to connect with your audience: explain your work in a way non-experts can understand and in a way that makes them interested in hearing what you have to say. Explore tips for success
Presentations will be evaluated on the following criteria:
Comprehension and Content
Did the presentation provide an understanding of the background and significance to the research question being addressed, while explaining terminology and avoiding jargon?
Did the presentation clearly describe the impact and/or results of the research, including conclusions and outcomes?
Did the presentation follow a clear and logical sequence?
Was the thesis topic, research significance, results/impact and outcomes communicated in language appropriate to a non-specialist audience?
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 trivialize or generalize 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?
Note that the common theme among the judging criteria is the impact of the presentation on the audience.
Contact
Questions about the Kansas State University Graduate School’s 3MT® competition may be directed to Dr. Megan Miller, Assistant Director of Graduate Student Success, mmmiller@ksu.edu or 785-532-6191.
