Three Minute Thesis

Three Minute Thesis Logo

The Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) Competition celebrates the exciting research being performed by graduate students and cultivates their academic, presentation and research communication skills by challenging them to present their research to a non-specialist audience in three minutes (180 seconds!) or less using only one PowerPoint slide. Developed by the University of Queensland (UQ) in 2008, the 3MT® Competition is currently held at 900 colleges and universities across more than 85 countries worldwide.

The Graduate School will host Binghamton University's 7th annual Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition on February 9th, 2025. 

Prizes:

  • 1st Place: $1,000.00
  • 2nd Place: $600.00
  • 3rd Place: $400.00
  • People’s Choice: $250.00 (selected via audience vote at the conclusion of the event)

Eligibility Rules:

  • Students who are pursuing a research doctorate and who have been admitted to candidacy (ABD) from are eligible to compete.
  • Students should be in the final stages of their graduate career so that they have sound conclusions and impacts from their research.
  • Students must be in good academic standing (GPA of 3.0 or higher).
  • All research presented must be associated with Binghamton University.
  • Alumni and previous winners are not eligible to participate. Past participants are welcome to participate again. 

How to participate in the Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition:

  • Step #1 - Discuss your interest in participating in the 3MT Competition with your faculty adviser. Obtain their approval to participate and present your research.
  • Step #2 - Attend a 3MT Competition Information Session (not required). 
  • Step #3 - Submit the 3MT Competition Interest Form by 5:00 p.m. on January 15th. [*Note: When selecting your presentation title, please try to avoid technical jargon and choose a title that is short, catchy and true to your research.]
  • Step #4 - Individualized support starting in December.
    • One-on-one guided prep. 
    • Judge-led workshop on best practices.
    • Individualized feedback from the Speaking Center. 
  • Step #5 - Final title and PowerPoint slide due in early February.

Presentation Rules:

  • A single static PowerPoint slide is permitted. No slide transitions, animations or ‘movement’ of any description are allowed. The slide is to be presented from the beginning of the oration.
  • No additional electronic media (e.g. sound and video files) are permitted.
  • No additional props (e.g. costumes, musical instruments, laboratory equipment) are permitted.
  • Presentations are limited to 3 minutes maximum and competitors exceeding 3 minutes will be disqualified.
  • Presentations are to be spoken word (e.g. no poems, raps or songs).
  • Presentations are considered to have commenced when a presenter begins speaking.
  • The decision of the judging panel is final. 

Judging Criteria:

The goal is for the presenter to successfully engage a non-specialist audience and effectively convey the excitement and innovation of their research. Presentations will be evaluated by a diverse judging panel focusing on:

Content and Comprehension 

  • Presentation provided clear motivation, 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

Communication and Engagement

  • 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, captured and maintained audience’s attention

Previous Binghamton University winners are listed here. 

Watch winning 3MT presentations from around the world online here. 

Questions?

Please contact GradSchoolPD@binghamton.edu with any questions or concerns you may have regarding the 3MT Competition or your eligibility to participate.