3MTThe three minute

thesis competition

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!

Judged according to...

• Comprehension• Engagement• Communication

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?

How is research perceived?

http://www.uq.edu.au/grad-school/3mt-2008• 10 TV news program

Why does it matter to me?

The Conversation

EligibilityTo 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

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

What should I think about?

• Title• Starting point• Structure (similar to an

abstract)• Vocab/language• Humour?• Slide

Willing to give it a go?

Timeline

30 June Registrations closeJuly/Aug Faculty heats8 Sept Uni finals in Research Tuesdays2 Oct National finals at UQ

Practice sessions

Practice sessions from mid July onwards

Contact the 3MT University Coordinatorlea.mcbride@adelaide.edu.au

Further information

Adelaide Uni website and links to finalistshttp://www.adelaide.edu.au/3mt/past/

National competition and links to finalistshttp://threeminutethesis.org/trans-tasman-winners