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Three Minute Thesis

3MT Three Minute Thesis, Founded by the University of Queensland

 

November 12th, 2019 - Student Union, Edinburg (ESTUN) - 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

 

The Application Is Now Open

Register Here!

 

Space is limited to the first 30 applicants.

 

     

 

Clock     Background Gears     Rules Magnifying Glass     Presentation Prep
Microphone     Benefits Dollar Sign     Awards Calendar     Registration
Checkmark     Eligibility Camera     Previous 3MT® Scale     Judges

 

 

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What is 3MT?

 Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) is a research communication competition developed by The University of Queensland (UQ) in which graduate students have three minutes to present a compelling oration on their thesis / dissertation research and its significance.  3MT® is not an exercise in trivializing or "dumbing-down" research, but instead challenges students to consolidate their ideas and research discoveries so they can be presented concisely to a non-specialist audience.

The first 3MT® was held at UQ in 2008 with 160 students competing.  Enthusiasm for the 3MT® concept grew and it has now been adopted by numerous universities around the world.  The Graduate College is excited about providing our students the opportunity to participate in the Texas State University 3MT® Competition.

 

 

Microphone

Why Compete?
Reason to participate in the UTRGV 3MT® competition:
  • Promote your research
  • Enhance communication skills
  • Learn how to explain your research to a non-specialized audience
  • Develop your  “elevator pitch” discussions of your research (especially useful for  job interviews!)
  • Awards at both the preliminary and final rounds

 

 

Checkmark

Eligibility
Fall 2019 University of Texas Rio Grande Valley 3MT® Competition Eligibility
Graduate students currently enrolled in a University of  research Ph.D. or Ed.D. program and master's students on a thesis track are eligible to compete. The presentation must include findings/outcomes of research, i.e., you cannot present your proposal; you must have at least preliminary or pilot study findings. Read more about the presentation rules and judging criteria.

 

 

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Rules
Please see below for a complete list of rules for the UTRGV 3MT® competition.
  • A single static PowerPoint slide is permitted (no slide transitions, animations or "movement" of any description).
  • No additional electronic media (e.g., sound and video files) are permitted.
  • No additional props (e.g., costumes, musical instruments or laboratory equipment) are permitted.
  • Presentations are limited to three minutes maximum, and competitors exceeding three minutes are disqualified.
  • The decision of the judging panel is final.
  • All presentations will be videotaped and will appear on the graduate school 3MT® website.

Each 3MT® presentation will be judged based on communication style, comprehension, and engagement.

 

 

Dollar Sign

Awards
Fall 2019 University Final

Awarded by judges:

  • 1st Place: $1,000
  • 2nd Place: $500
  • 3rd Place: $250

 

 

Calendar

Register
Registration to compete in the Fall 2019 3MT® is now open.

Register Here!

 

 

Scales

Judges
Judges are selected from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley communities.

There are five judges for the competition. Learn more about judging criteria and presentation rules.

Judging Criteria

At every level of the competition judges will use the 3MT® judging criteria listed below to score presentations.

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 nonspecialist 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 presenter 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?

 

 

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Presentation Prep
Prepare to compete in the 3MT® by:
  • watching videos of other winners
  • reviewing the judging criteria and presentation rules

 

 

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Previous Competitions

 Need some inspiration? Watch students present their research in previous 3MT® Competitions:

You can also watch 3MT®  winners from competitions at other universities.

 

 
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