Three Minute Thesis
The Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) is an academic research communication competition developed by The University of Queensland (UQ), Australia. JCU has a proud history of participating in the event.
Communicating your research simply and directly in ways that a wide range of non-experts can understand is increasingly understood as being intrinsic to research practice. Successful communication involves a lot more than mere dissemination of results but a thoughtful engagement with potential research users and audiences.
JCU will again participate in the 3MT in 2022. The winner of the 3MT competition's HDR category represents JCU in the Asia-Pacific 3MT final.
Overview
The Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) competition celebrates the exciting research conducted by Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) students, and cultivates students’ academic, presentation, and research communication skills.
At JCU, we think it is really important to encourage and showcase the research efforts of our higher degree research (HDR) candidates.
More details and information regarding the 2023 competition will be coming soon.
Active PhD and Professional Doctorate Research (program composed of at least 2/3 research and eligible for RTP) candidates who have successfully passed their confirmation milestone (including candidates whose thesis is under submission) by the date of their first virtual presentation are eligible to participate in 3MT competitions at all levels, including the Asia-Pacific 3MT competition. Graduates are not eligible.
Please note: Students enrolled in any of the following programs are not eligible to enter the Virtual Asia-Pacific 3MT Competition:
- Masters (MPhil and coursework); and
- Professional Doctorate (coursework).
HDR candidates:
- One entrant per college (6 in total)
- One from JCU Singapore
- One from ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies
AIMS@JCU students are eligible to participate as an entrant via their affiliated college
Each area putting forward participants for the JCU Final may do so by nomination, or by College / Divisional heats.
- Presentations are limited to 3 minutes and competitors exceeding 3 minutes are disqualified.
- Presentations are considered to have commenced when a presenter starts their presentation through speech (timing does not include the 3MT title slide and commences from when the competitor starts speaking, not the start of the video).
- Videos must meet the following criteria:
- Filmed on the horizontal;
- Filmed on a plain background;
- Filmed from a static position;
- Filmed from one camera angle;
- Contain a 3MT title slide;
- Contain a 3MT PowerPoint slide (top right corner/right side/cut to)
- A single static slide is permitted in the presentation (no slide transitions, animations or ‘movement’ of any description). This can be visible continuously, or ‘cut to’ (as many times as you like) for a maximum of 1 minute.
- The 3 minute audio must be continuous – no sound edits or breaks.
- No additional props (e.g. costumes, musical instruments, laboratory equipment and animated backgrounds) are permitted within the recording. Presentations are to be spoken word (e.g. no poems, raps or songs).
- No additional electronic media (e.g. sound and video files) are permitted within the video recording.
- The decision of the adjudicating panel is final.
- Submissions via video format (only video link provided to Event Coordinators). Files sent in other formats will not be accepted.
- Entries submitted for final adjudication to Wildcard or University Final are to be submitted from the School/ Faculty/Institute 3MT Event Coordinator. Competitors should not submit their videos directly to 3MT.
Modifications to the 3MT rules have been made to accommodate the new virtual format.
Please note: competitors *will not* be judged on video/ recording quality or editing capabilities (optional
inclusions). Judging will focus on the presentation, ability to communicate research to a non-specialist audience, and 3MT PowerPoint slide.
Please note: After each competition round competitors have the option to either submit their current presentation or rerecord and submit a new presentation for entry into the next round.
At every level of the competition each competitor will be assessed on the judging criteria listed below. Each criterion is equally weighted and has an emphasis on audience.
Comprehension & 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 & 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?
Master of Ceremonies
TBA
Judging Panel
TBA
2023 TBA | ARC CoE for Coral Reef Studies 3MT CompetitionEvent Coordinator: Victor Huertas Martin (victor.huertas@jcu.edu.au / 4781 6067) Venue: TBC |
2023 TBA | CASE 3MT CompetitionEvent Coordinator: Theresa Petray (theresa.petray@jcu.edu.au) and Dom Sandilant (caseresearch@jcu.edu.au) |
2023 TBA | CBLG 3MT CompetitionEvent Coordinator: Gianna Moscardo (gianna.moscardo@jcu.edu.au) Venue/Zoom: TBC |
2023 TBA | CHS 3MT Submission Date |
2023 TBA | CMD 3MT CompetitionEvent Coordinator: Helen Griffiths (cmd.research@jcu.edu.au / 4781 4727) |
2023 TBA | CPHMVS 3MT CompetitionEvent Coordinator: Tina Cornell (cphmvs.hdr@jcu.edu.au / 4781 5335) |
2023 TBA | CSE 3MT CompetitionEvent Coordinator: Mohan Jacob (mohan.jacob@jcu.edu.au) |
2023 TBA | JCU Singapore 3MT FinalEvent Coordinators: Kevin Wang (researchsupport-singapore@jcu.edu.au) and Denise Dillon (denise.dillon@jcu.edu.au) |
2023 TBA | Deadline to provide the Graduate Research School with your entrant's details:
Email to Emma Landy at grs.staff@jcu.edu.au |
2023 TBA | Entries Judged |
2023 TBA | JCU 3MT FinalFormat: Zoom webinar. Entrant videos played and winners announced. There will be a People's choice award voted via a Zoom poll. Advisor of the Year Awards announced Event Coordinators: Melissa Hines and Emma Landy (grs.staff@jcu.edu.au) |
2023 TBA | Asia-Pacific 3MT Competitor Video Submission Deadline |
Monday 26 September 2022 | Asia-Pacific 3MT Semi-Final |
Monday 10 October 2022 | Asia-Pacific 3MT Final - Finalists Announced
|
Wednesday 19 October 2022Time: 2pm - 3:30pm (AEST) | Virtual Asia-Pacific 3MT - Final LivestreamEvent Format: Video Viewing / Meet the Finalist Q&A / People Choice Vote / Announcement of Winners (Zoom Webinar) |
To provide just a little incentive, JCU will award the winners with the following prizes:
- 3MT Winner: $1,000
- 3MT Runner Up: $500
- 3MT People’s Choice: $500
The GRS offers coaching sessions to help HDR candidates create the sort of presentation that will make a good impression on 3MT judges. Sessions are conducted by Associate Professor Liz Tynan from the GRS, an experienced 3MT coach. Learn about the particular requirements of the 3MT competition, some of which may move researchers out of their 'comfort zone'. This year, the sessions will be conducted by Zoom, and there is a strict limit of 10 participants per session. The emphasis in these sessions will be on practical advice to achieve a polished and clear presentation.
Presented by Associate Professor Liz Tynan, Co-ordinator GRS Professional Development, Graduate Research School
Date | Register |
---|---|
2023 Date TBC | TBA |
2023 Date TBC | TBA |
The first 3MT competition was held at UQ in 2008 with 160 Research Higher Degree students competing. In 2009 and 2010 the 3MT competition was promoted to other Australian and New Zealand universities and enthusiasm for the concept grew. Due to its adoption in numerous universities, a multi-national event was developed, and the Inaugural Trans-Tasman 3MT competition was held at UQ in 2010.
Since 2011, the popularity of the competition has increased and 3MT competitions are now held in over 600 universities across more than 65 countries worldwide.
In November 2013, the first Universitas 21 (U21) 3MT competition was held with several universities from around the world competing in a virtual competition.
2016 brought an expansion of the Trans-Tasman 3MT competition to include a South-East Asia and North-East Asia. This competition is now called the Asia-Pacific 3MT competition.
2022 Event
In 2022, the 3MT highlighted the innovative research conducted by Higher Degree by Research (HDR) candidates.
The JCU final was held on Friday 9 September via a Zoom webinar hosted by Professor Jodie Rummer. The audience enjoyed ten 3MT video presentations with the runner up and winner announced by Professor Simon Biggs, Vice Chancellor. The Dean's Awards for Excellence and the Advisor of the Year awards were announced by Professor Christine Bruce, Dean Graduate Research.
Phoebe Arbon
College of Science and Engineering
3MT Title: Food for thought: Disease in prawn farming
Casey Toft
College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences
3MT Title: What rapid antigen test is the best and on what basis?
Emenike Okonkwo
College of Science and Engineering
3MT Title: Waste: what does it mean to you?
First Name | 3MT Title | Vimeo Link (Y/N) |
Febrio Lunardo | Cancer! Blast Them! | |
Alexis Harerimana | That is not a sales chart on the medical monitor; it is your blood pressure! | |
C Keerthigha | Helicopter Parenting Through the Lens of Reddit | |
Swapna Chaudhary | Pharmacists in Transgender Healthcare | |
Rebekah Lisciandro | Challenging Health Injustice Through Diversity | |
Nguyen (Calla) Thi Thanh Kieu | “Love me or Leave me?”: A story of host-tourist interactions in the Central Highlands, Vietnam | |
Bethan Lang | Monsters under the bed: Crown-of-thorns starfish and climate change |
Watch the JCU 3MT Final webinar recording.
The JCU 3MT Final was held via Zoom webinar on Friday 9 September 2022.
2021 Event
In 2021, the 3MT highlighted the innovative research conducted by Higher Degree by Research (HDR) candidates.
The JCU final was held on Monday 13 September via a Zoom webinar. The audience enjoyed ten 3MT video presentations and the Advisor of the Year awards were announced.
Josephine Nielsen
College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences
3MT Title: Temperature variability impacts coral performance
Jesus Romo Rico
College of Science and Engineering
3MT Title: Plasma polymers from oregano secondary metabolites for wound healing applications
First Name | 3MT Title | Vimeo Link |
---|---|---|
Selina Taylor | LISTEN UP | https://vimeo.com/585589065 |
Cindi Davey | Environmental History of Wongi Forest | https://vimeo.com/593572256 |
Ding Xu | Behind Tourist Scams | https://vimeo.com/594973567 |
Sandra Infante Villamil | The origin and dynamic of the farmed prawn microbiome and its link to productivity | https://vimeo.com/595428490 |
Danica Lennox-Bulow | Stonefish: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly | https://vimeo.com/585692599 |
Vanessa Sparke | The complex nexus of life, beliefs and disease: how we achieve true balance | https://vimeo.com/589668467 |
Naomi Clark-Shen | Forget-me-not stingrays | https://vimeo.com/593739069 |
Advisory Panel of the Year
This award is for engagement in high quality team supervisory practice. The 2021 winning panel is from the College of Medicine and Dentistry:
- Prof Sarah Larkins
- Dr Robyn Preston (Adjunct)
- Prof Edward Strivens
- Dr Sefanaia Qaloewai (external to JCU)
Primary Advisor of the Year
This award is for engagement in high quality supervisory practice. The 2021 winner is from the ACR Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies:
- Prof Morgan Pratchett
Highly commended for Service as an Advisor
Nominated advisors show a strong commitment to advisory practice and research education. The 2021 winner is from the ACR Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies:
- Dr Jennifer Donelson
Watch the JCU 3MT Final 2021
The JCU 3MT Final webinar was held on Monday 13 September 2021. You can view all 10 competitor presentations here.