Developed by the University of Queensland, the Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition challenges HDR candidates to present their research in just 3 minutes to a non-specialist audience. 

Sharpen Your Research Communication Skills

3MT isn’t just a competition—it’s a unique opportunity to strengthen one of the most critical skills in your research career: communication. At UOW, we recognise that impactful research doesn’t speak for itself—you do. To make a difference, people need to understand your work.

This year, HDR candidates will have access to a range of research communication training opportunities designed to help you craft and deliver your message with clarity and confidence.

Be Part of a Vibrant Research Culture

3MT brings together HDR candidates from across disciplines, creating a supportive space to share your work, exchange ideas, and celebrate the diversity of research happening at UOW. Whether you’re presenting or cheering on your peers, it’s a chance to connect, collaborate, and build community.

Grow Your Network

Participating in 3MT can open doors beyond the university. Many candidates have gone on to share their research through radio interviews, podcasts, and other media opportunities. Finalists often gain invitations to speak at events or engage with industry and academic networks that extend far beyond the competition.

Winners also have the opportunity to represent UOW at the Asia-Pacific 3MT Final Showcase, giving your research an even wider platform and offering exceptional professional development and networking opportunities.

Past winners have achieved incredible things through this competition. Elahe Minaei (2024 Winner) went onto win the Promega Rising Researcher Award and a Shaping Australia Award. Nuwangi Cooray (2025 Winner) recently presented at TEDx. 

Step 1: Faculty Heat

• All HDR candidates who register will be invited to participate.
• You will present your thesis in three minutes, targeting a non-specialist audience.
• A panel of judges from your Faculty will:
  • Provide feedback on your presentation.
  • Select one Winner and one Runner-Up to proceed to the UOW Final.

Step 2: UOW Final

• Winners from each Faculty Heat will compete in the UOW Final.
• The overall winner of the UOW Final will receive support to record their presentation. The Researcher Development Unit will then submit your presentation to the Asia-Pacific 3MT Semi-Final Showcase, where you will represent UOW.

Step 3: Asia-Pacific 3MT Semi-Final Showcase

• The recorded presentation is assessed against top candidates from Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Singapore.
• From this group, 8 finalists will be selected.

Step 4: Asia-Pacific 3MT Final

• The 8 selected finalists compete in the final round.
• Benefits of participation include:
  • Increased exposure for your research.
  • Recognition as an emerging research leader.
  • Opportunity to win a research grant:
    • Winner: $5000
    • Runner-Up: $2000
    • People’s Choice: $1000

To participate in the 3MT competition, you must be an active PhD or Professional Doctorate (Research) candidate who has successfully passed your Research Proposal Review (RPR) milestone. This includes candidates who have submitted their thesis. Graduates are not eligible.

Please note: MPhil and pre-confirmation PhD candidates can participate in the UOW 3MT competition up to the Faculty/Institute finals but cannot advance to the UOW 3MT Final.