An 80,000 word thesis would take 9 hours to present. Your time limit...3 minutes.  Are you up for the challenge?
 

What is 3MT?

Three Minute Thesis (3MT) celebrates the exciting research conducted by master’s or Ph.D. students around the world. 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. 
 

Please don’t miss out on participating in our annual Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition on October 23, 2024.  This event is for graduate students only. 

Please register today!  The application form, participation timeline, and other important information are posted on the 3MT website.  The application deadline is September 17 at 11:59 p.m.  After you register, you will need to attend one 3MT Competition Information Session (either 3-4 p.m. September 25 or 4-5 p.m. September 26).

Additional information:

3MT participants will explain their research to a non-specialist audience in a live presentation limited to three minutes, with the use of one slide.

Participants must be enrolled in a master’s or doctoral program that requires students to conduct research or complete a capstone (creative component) project.  Research results are not needed.  New and more seasoned graduate students can participate.

Students from all disciplines, including the arts and humanities, are encouraged to participate. 

By participating in the 3MT Competition, you will refine your presentation, research, and academic skills.

The winner of the competition receives a $500 Ubill scholarship, and a $250 Runner Up Award and $250 People’s Choice Award will be given.  There will also be a drawing for:

1. One $200 Ubill scholarship to a participant in the final year of their graduate program
2. One $200 travel grant to a participant in the first year of their graduate program
3. One $200 travel grant to a participant between the first and final years of their graduate program

The Graduate College’s Center for Communication Excellence houses support resources in a Canvas course that participants will have access to after the Information Session.  The Center will also be holding optional practice sessions and optional individual consultations to help participants prepare.  Students are encouraged to review videos of ISU’s 3MT past winners and peruse the judging criteria for the competition.  NEW:  This year for the first time, students will receive feedback from the 3MT competition judges.

Timelines and guidelines are listed below.
 

• September 17, 2024: at 11:59 p.m.: Application deadline to be considered for the 3MT competition
• September 19, 2024: Applicants will be notified regarding their selection for the 3MT competition
• September 25, 2024: from 3-4 p.m.: Information Session
• September 26, 2024: from 4-5 p.m.: Information Session 
• October 20, 2024:  at 11:59 p.m.: 3MT slide submission deadline
• October 23, 2024: Preliminary Competition
• October 24, 2024: Preliminary Competition winners announced
• November 7, 2024, 6pm in South Ballroom: Final Competition as part of University Lecture Series