Three Minute Thesis (3MT)
Could you summarise your research and share it with the public in just 3 minutes?
What is 3MT®?
3MT® competitions challenge participants to explain their research effectively and concisely to a non-specialist audience in three minutes, helping to develop their public engagement and research communication skills. You'll be up against the clock, so you'll need to condense your work as well as making it accessible to the general public - while only having one slide to help you present!
At York, 3MT is part of the York Festival of Ideas, a programme of events for all ages and interests featuring world-class speakers, exhibitions, theatre, music, films, guided walks, family-friendly activities and more. By taking part in 3MT, you'll be contributing to and representing the University at the Festival - showcasing your research and demonstrating the contribution that it can make to society and the economy.
3MT 2025
This year's competition takes place on Saturday 7th June 2025 at The University of York.
Applications have now closed for this year's competition - many thanks to everyone who applied!
Why should I apply?
3MT is a fantastic opportunity to develop and practice your public engagement skills. You’ll receive bespoke guidance and training, be supported to think about your research from different perspectives, and get to take part in an exciting live event with a cohort of other PhD Researchers. Plus, you’ll be in with a chance of winning a prize!
The overall winner will also go on to represent York at the national 3MT finals. Many of our 3MT finalists have gone on to achieve great things, and being a finalist looks fantastic on your CV, both for academic and non-academic roles. Our final is also recorded, so you'll have a video which you can share with potential employers!
Prizes
1st place - iPad
2nd place - £150 voucher
3rd place - £75 voucher
People's choice - £75 voucher
Key Dates
- Friday 28th February 2025 - Applications open
- Monday 31st March 2025 - Applications close (17:00 BST)
- Friday 4th April 2025 - Shortlisted applicants informed
- Friday 25th April 2025 - Auditions (on campus, all day)
- Monday 28th April 2025 - Successful applicants informed
- Friday 9th May 2025 - Training session (on campus, 09:00-12:00)
- Tuesday 13th May 2025 - Review/practice session (on campus, 14:00-16:00)
- Friday 16th May 2025 - Review/practice session (on campus, 14:00-16:00)
- Thursday 5th June 2025 - Rehearsal (on campus, 15:00-17:00)
- Saturday 7th June 2025 - 3MT live final (on campus, all day)
Who can participate?
University of York PhD candidates, who have passed their first formal review of progress, and have not yet completed their viva.
The rules
- Presentations are limited to 3 minutes maximum and competitors exceeding 3 minutes are disqualified.
- Presentations are to be spoken word (e.g. no poems, raps or songs).
- Presentations are considered to have commenced when a presenter starts their presentation through either movement or speech.
- A single static PowerPoint slide is permitted. No slide transitions, animations or movement) and 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.
- The decision of the adjudicating panel is final.
The judging criteria
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 non-specialist 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 trivialise or generalise their research?
- Did the presenter convey enthusiasm for their research?
- Did the presenter capture and maintain their audience's attention?
- Did the speaker 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?
The Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) is an academic research communication competition developed by The University of Queensland (UQ), Australia.
Past events
See who took part - and won - in previous events.