HSS Three Minute Thesis Competition (3MT®)

Memorial University’s Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences will hold its first Three Minute Thesis Competition (3MT®) as part of its 2022 Research Week celebrations. 

The Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) is an academic research communication competition developed by The University of Queensland (UQ),  Australia.

When:
November 23 | 12:00 - 2:00pm

Where:
The competition will be held at the Nexus Centre (SN-4022).

Who is Eligible?

Applications to participate are welcome from all currently registered MA Thesis and PhD students in Humanities and Social Sciences at Memorial. 

Any questions regarding the 2023 HSS Three Minute Thesis Competition can be directed to Dr. Liam Swiss, Acting Associate Dean (Research): lswiss@mun.ca

Eligibility:

  • Presenters must be currently registered in a Masters (thesis route only) or PhD program at Memorial University.
  • PhD students who have defended but have not yet graduated are eligible.
  • Presentations must be based on research that is directly related to the student's graduate program thesis.
  • Presenters must agree to be recorded live.
  • Presenters must be available to present, live, on the day of the competition.

Rules:

  • 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 considered to have commenced when a presenter starts their presentation through either movement or speech.
  • The decision of the adjudicating panel is final.
Judging Criteria:

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 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?
Prizes:
  • First Prize: $500
  • Second Prize:$250
  • Third Prize: $125
Competitor Tips & FAQs:

Please see here for tips on preparing for the 3MT:

https://threeminutethesis.uq.edu.au/resources/3mt-competitor-guide

FAQs about 3MT competitions:

https://threeminutethesis.uq.edu.au/resources/faqs-competitors

Registration:

Deadline to register is 5pm, Friday November 18. 

Register now