An 80,000 word PhD thesis would take 9 hours to present.
Your time limit... 3 minutes.
"The 3MT competition was a highlight of my 2023.
The process of crafting my pitch helped me find new ways to share my research that were effective and engaging whilst still being an accurate reflection of my field. I had to think about which parts of my research are actually important and how to piece those ideas together to create an engaging story. It was also a fantastic opportunity for me to look back at my presentation skills and get feedback on areas I could improve.
The whole process was super helpful as I've continued to write and deliver presentations to my family, friends, colleagues and other researchers at conferences. Highly recommend!"
- Molly Kirkpatrick, 2023 UOW 3MT Winner
You can watch Molly's winning 3MT presentation here
"My ideas for the 3MT 2023 primarily came from weekly faculty practice sessions. If you're familiar with the Myers-Briggs personality dimensions, I'm an ENFP, characterized as intuitive and averse to making plans. I always wanted to try the 3MT as it offered a structured way to showcase your progress during your PhD candidature and practiced “selling” your ideas to the general public (rather than just to supervisors). Practicing 3MT at our weekly faculty meeting made my abstract ideas come true.
And look at what I've achieved — I even changed the title of my last paper, conceived the entire idea and methodology for it, and, yes, winning the People's Choice Award was a delightful bonus!"
- Essie (Yuwei) Sun, 2023 UOW 3MT People's Choice Award Winner
The Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition provides a valuable opportunity for HDR candidates to improve their communication abilities, receive feedback from an international peer review, and develop skills related to presenting their research to a broader audience.
3MT celebrates the incredible research conducted my HDR candidates. Developed by the University of Queensland, 3MT enables HDR candidates to develop their research communication skills and demonstrate their academic success to a broad audience.
3MT is more than an event - it's an opportunity for skill development.
This year, 3MT will be part of a larger program developed to improve research communication skills in graduate researchers. By participating in any of the following workshops or seminars, researchers will learn tools and tricks to increase research translation and pitching skills, their oral presentation skills, and other critical communication skills that will give researchers a competitive edge.
Skills development critical for researchers
Participating in the 3MT fosters academic, presentation, and research communication skills. It also cultivates research candidates’ capacity to succinctly explain their research within three minutes, using language that is suitable for a non-specialist audience
Building research culture
3MT offers a valuable platform for HDR candidates to connect, whether in person or virtually. During 3MT, they can engage with one another, discuss their research, and foster a sense of community.
Develop relationships with people outside of the university
Candidates that participate in 3MT often get the opportunity to network and develop relationships with various people and groups outside of UOW. Candidates have also participated in radio interviews, podcasts, and other media outlets that have enabled them to showcase their research to a large audience.
3MT winners have the chance to represent UOW at the Asia-Pacific 3MT Final Showcase. This experience not only provides an excellent networking opportunity but also contributes to their professional development. Additionally, previous 3MT finalists have enjoyed invitations to various other networking events after participating in the competition
Active PhD and Professional Doctorate (Research) candidates who have successfully passed their Research Proposal Review (RPR) milestone (including candidates whose thesis is under submission) by the date of their first presentation are eligible to participate in 3MT competitions at all levels, including the Asia-Pacific 3MT competition. Graduates are not eligible.
Please note: MPhil and pre-confirmation PhD candidates who are active in program are still eligible to participate in the UOW 3MT competition up to Faculty/Institute finals but cannot advance to the UOW 3MT Final.
The format of the 2024 UOW 3MT Competition at all levels is to be a live in-person event and all competitors are required to be judged on a live in-person performance.
2024 UOW 3MT Program of Events
3MT is more than an event - it's an opportunity for skill development.
This year, 3MT will be part of a larger program developed to improve research communication skills in graduate researchers. By participating in any of the following workshops or seminars, researchers will learn tools and tricks to increase research translation and pitching skills, their oral presentation skills, and other critical communication skills that will give researchers a competitive edge.
Event |
Purpose and Description |
Registration Details |
|---|---|---|
3MT Information Session Tuesday 30 April, 11:30AM - 12:30PM (AEST) |
The Researcher Development Unit ran a 2024 3MT Information session for all PhD candidates who wished to know more about the event or program. |
This session has passed Candidates can now access the recording of this information session on the Higher Degree Research Development Hub Moodle site |
Pitching to Your Audience Online module, no time restrictions. |
This module has been developed by iAccelerate as part of our UOW Entrepreneurs program. In this module you will learn how to develop a pitch using our basic pitch template. |
|
Practical Implications Workshop On-Campus: Online: |
This workshop will introduce you to tools and techniques that optimise the section in your discussion around the value and practical implications of your research. In addition, these tools and techniques can be used in business, government, and community settings to help translate your research into opportunities. For example, you will learn about technology readiness levels, lean canvasses, and other practices |
This session has passed Candidates will be able to access the recording of this session on the Higher Degree Research Development Hub Moodle site |
Pitching Your Innovative Ideas Workshop Thursday 16 May, 8:30AM - 9:30AM (AEST) |
Many researchers feel their work is worthwhile but often find it challenging to communicate this to others. Mastering the art of pitching your ideas to an audience is a crucial skill for getting people interested in your research and enticing them to want to know more. This session will help you to understand what is involved in pitching your research in an engaging way. |
|
Practice Pitch Session Monday 27 May, 9:30AM - 11:30AM (AEST) |
Practice your pitch! Practice communicating your research in 3 minutes to a panel of friendly judges. Get the feedback you need to put your best foot forward at the faculty heats! At the same time, connect with other researchers, hear about the exciting things they're doing, and show your support. |
|
UOW 3MT Faculty Heats 3 - 4 June, 2024 |
Let's celebrate HDR research by supporting our wonderful candidates at the UOW faculty heats! All UOW candidates and staff are welcome! |
Registrations to attend this event will open on a later date. |
UOW 3MT Final Wednesday 10 July, 2024 |
The big dance! |
Registrations to attend this event will open on a later date. |
Asia-Pacific 3MT Semi-Final 8 October, 2024 |
The Asia-Pacific 3MT Semi-Final is hosted by The University of Queensland. The winner of the UOW final will represent UOW virtually. A recording will be submitted of their presentation for judgeing. |
Members of the UOW community will be invited to attend this virtual event at a later date. |
Asia-Pacific 3MT Final 30 October, 2024 |
The Asia-Pacific 3MT Competition is hosted by The University of Queensland. This regional competition features competitors representing universities from across Australia, New Zealand, Oceania, North-East Asia and South-East Asia. |
Members of the UOW community will be invited to attend this virtual event at a later date. |