About

The Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) is a skills development activity that challenges Higher Degree by Research students to explain their research project to a non-specialist audience in just three minutes. 

Developed by the University of Queensland (UQ), the 3MT® competition celebrates the exciting research conducted by HDR students and cultivates students’ academic, presentation, and research communication skills. 

Why participate? 

Engaging in the 3MT® competition offers many benefits to research candidates:

• Potential Prizes: From the coveted People’s Choice award to Faculty prizes, and the prestigious Asia Pacific winner, participants have the chance to win exciting prizes for their presentations.
• CaRST Credits: By simply participating, students will automatically earn 5 CaRST credits, with the opportunity to earn additional credits by attending 3MT®-focused trainings. 

Beyond these, participation in the 3MT® presents a unique opportunity for professional development and academic growth:

• Communicate effectively: Learn to distil complex research into a clear and compelling presentation for a non-specialist audience.
• Public speaking: Build confidence in presenting your research and its significance in a public forum.
• Enhance your profile: Increase the visibility of your research among the university community, faculty, and the broader public, opening doors to potential collaborations and opportunities.
• Networking opportunities: Connect with other HDR students, faculty members and professionals from various fields, expanding your network.

Participating in 3MT® is not just about presenting your research—it's about developing essential communication skills, broadening your academic horizons, and connecting with others in the research community.