The Graduate College is pleased to sponsor the Sixth Annual Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition for graduate-student researchers. This annual event is an opportunity for students to build their communication skills by creatively describing their research in ways that make it relatable and relevant to a non-specialist audience. One static slide may be used while speaking for up to three minutes. We hope you will join our 2021 3MT Competition -
click here to register. Timelines
and guidelines are listed below. Enjoy the videos of past award
winners’ presentations, or an entire final round of competition.
Three Minute Thesis (3MT) celebrates the exciting research conducted by master’s or Ph.D. students around the
world. Developed by The University of Queensland, the competition cultivates students’ academic,
presentation, and research communication skills. Presenting in a 3MT competition increases students' capacity to
explain their research in three minutes in a language appropriate to a non-specialist audience. Competitors are
allowed one PowerPoint slide, but no other resources or props. For more information about competing in
3MT virtually, view the University of Queensland’s guidelines.
Participants must be currently enrolled in a master's or doctoral degree program that requires students to conduct
their own research (dissertation or thesis).
Three participants will be recognized with awards. The winner of the final competition receives a $500
Ubill scholarship and may be asked to represent the university in other 3MT events. A scholarship of $250 will be awarded to the final
competition's Runner Up and People’s Choice Award winner. Every participant will have the opportunity to cultivate their presentation,
research, and academic skills.
Winners will be determined by a panel of judges using the official 3MT competition rubrics. Judges for the
initial heats will be invited from the Iowa State University faculty and staff and the local community. Judges
for the final competition will be well-known Iowa constituents.
Comprehension and Content
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?
Were 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?
Did the presenter spend adequate time on each element of the presentation, or was the presentation rushed?
Did (s)he elaborate for too long on one aspect of the presentation?
Engagement and Communication
Did the oration make the audience want to know more?
Did the presenter work to emphasize the significance and application of his/her research?
Did the presenter convey enthusiasm for his/her research?
Did the presenter capture and maintain his/her audience's attention?
Did the speaker have sufficient stage presence, eye contact and vocal range? Did the speaker maintain a
steady pace and have a confident stance?
Did the PowerPoint slide support the verbal message of the speaker and add clarity and impact to his/her words?
Presentation Feedback
For feedback on your 3MT slide or the speech you are planning to incorporate into your 3MT presentation,
please make an appointment with a writing consultant
at the Center for Communication Excellence.
