3…..2…..1….Go!!

 

Overview and History

First developed by the University of Queensland, the Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) is a research communication competition that offers research students an opportunity to convey the relevance and importance of their research in just three minutes. 3MT highlights the importance of communication skills as researchers develop the capacity to effectively engage a non-specialist audience.

 

The first 3MT was held at the University of Queensland in 2008 with 160 research students competing. As the enthusiasm for this competition grew, the 3MT was promoted to other Australian and New Zealand Universities. The global reach of this competition is evident by the extent of participation with universities in Canada, United States, United Kingdom and Vietnam also hosting local 3MT events.

 

3MT at Hughes Hall

The inaugural 3MT Hughes Hall competition will be held in 2016, encompassing entries from all students (undergraduate, masters and PhD) with a research project. It will take place in the Pavilion Room at Hughes Hall. Why not take this opportunity to showcase your research and develop your communication skills to the Hughes Hall community.

 

Timetable for the competition

Heats: 21/1/15 and 28/1/15
Final: 04/02/15

 

How to enter?

To apply for the 3MT event, visit the application page or email hughes-3mt@lists.cam.ac.uk
For specific questions contact: hughes-3mt@lists.cam.ac.uk

 

Prizes

Prizes will be awarded to the top presentation judged by a panel of senior members.

 

Eligibility and Rules

– Participants must have a research component to their studies and they must present their research at the 3MT.

– A single static PowerPoint slide is permitted. No slide transitions, animations or ‘movement’ of any description are allowed. The slide 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.

– Presentations are limited to 3 minutes maximum and competitors exceeding 3 minutes are disqualified.

– Presentations are to be spoken word (eg. no poems, raps or songs).

– Presentations are to commence from the stage.

– Presentations are considered to have commenced when a presenter starts their presentation through either movement or speech.

– The decision of the adjudicating panel is final.

 

What will you be judged on?

Comprehension & 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?

– Was 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 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?