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University of Florida

3MT: Three Minute Thesis Competition

The challenge: To explain your research to a nonspecialist audience in just three minutes!

3MT competitor making a research presentation before an audience

Fall 2026 3MT is getting ready to step up to the mic!

Have questions? Want to know more? Contact us!

3MT: Three Minute Thesis challenges graduate students to explain their thesis or dissertation research in an engaging way to an audience of nonspecialists in just three minutes. Founded by the University of Queensland in Australia, this competition will help you hone your presentation and communication skills for optimal effectiveness. Are you game for the 3MT challenge?

Have questions? Contact us!

The competition is a live, in-person event with a preliminary round in October, followed by a final round in November, held on campus in the Reitz Union Chamber Room.

Competition Rules

  • A single static PowerPoint slide is permitted (no slide transitions, animations or movement of any kind, 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 (e.g., 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 movement or speech.
  • The decision of the adjudicating panel is final.
  • Attach a copy of your PowerPoint slide to a new email. (Remember: Your submission must be a single, static slide — no transition, animation, movement, sound, video, etc., permitted. See Competition Rules for more details.)
  • In your email’s Subject line, please enter "3MT 2025 Submission [Last Name]” — for example, 3MT 2026 Submission Gillespie.
  • Send the email to james.gillespie@ufl.edu, send, and await confirmation of its receipt. If you do not receive confirmation within 48 hours, please follow up and inquire.

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 trivialize or generalize 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?

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