Research

Presented by Tracy Costello, PhD, Director, Office of Postdoctoral Affairs

The Three Minute Thesis, or 3MT®, is an annual competition held at over 200 universities worldwide, open to graduate students who present their research in less than 3 minutes, with only one static slide.  Winning presentations are engaging stories that are understood by the broader audience, requiring little expertise in the research area. 

This lecture is designed to help you understand and develop your best 3MT® presentation so that you're prepared to enter the USF competition in the Fall.  We'll share tips for success including how to frame your research for any audience and considerations for your slide's design. 

The winner and runner-up of the USF competition receive travel awards and are additionally supported to travel and present in the Council of Graduate Schools 3MT® competitions at the annual Council of Florida Graduate Schools Conference and the annual Council of Southern Graduate Schools Conference, schedule and funding permitting.  

Skills Development

Participating in 3MT® develops academic, presentation and research communication skills, while developing research candidates’ ability to effectively explain their research in language appropriate to a non-specialist audience.

Culture of Research

3MT® provides a valuable opportunity for researchers to come together (live or virtually), get to know one another and talk about their research. It also provides a supportive environment in which schools, institutes and universities can provide presentation skills training.

Networking Opportunities

3MT® winners may go on to represent their university at national and international 3MT® competitions which provides an excellent networking and professional development opportunity. Previous 3MT® finalists have benefited from invitations to a variety of other networking events following their participation in the competition.

1. A single static PowerPoint slide is permitted (no slide transitions, animations or 'movement' of any description, the slide is to be presented from the beginning of the oration).

2. No additional electronic media (e.g. sound and video files) are permitted.

3. No additional props (e.g. costumes, musical instruments, laboratory equipment) are permitted.

4. Presentations are limited to 3 minutes maximum and competitors exceeding 3 minutes are disqualified.

5. Presentations are to be spoken word (e.g. no poems, raps or songs).

6. Presentations are to commence from the stage.

7. Presentations are considered to have commenced when a presenter starts their presentation through movement or speech.

8. The decision of the adjudicating panel is final.

JUDGING CRITERIA

Comprehension & Content

• Presentation provided clear background and significance to the research question.

• Presentation clearly described the research strategy/design and the results/findings of the research.

• Presentation clearly described the conclusions, outcomes, and impact of the research.

Engagement & Communication

• The oration was delivered clearly, and the language was appropriate for a non-specialist audience.

• The PowerPoint slide was well-defined and enhanced the presentation.

• The presenter conveyed enthusiasm for their research and captured and maintained the audience’s attention.

PEOPLE’S CHOICE

An important aspect of the competition is the People’s Choice prize. Following all presentations, the audience is asked to vote on who they thought gave the most convincing 3MT® presentation (based on their understanding of the criteria outline above). A finalist can be the winner or runner-up and still receive the People’s Choice award.

ELIGIBILITY

Active Ph.D. and Professional Doctorate (Research) candidates who have successfully passed their confirmation milestone (including candidates whose thesis is under submission) by the date of their first presentation are eligible to participate in 3MT® competitions at all levels. Graduates are not eligible.

RESOURCES

• 3MT® Competitor Guide
• FAQs for Competitors

USF holds a series of heats during the fall semester. Winners of the heats go on to compete in the USF 3MT® Finals, which typically take place in early November. 

• First Place: $300
• Runner-up (Second Place): $200
• People's Choice: $100

The First Place Winner moves forward to represent USF at the regional 3MT® competition the following spring.