Information about 3MT

"If I had more time, I would have written a shorter letter..."

We’ve all heard this famous quote - it’s much easier to give a long explanation of a complicated topic than to strip it down to its essentials and use language that’s intelligible to anyone. The Three Minute Thesis competition challenges postgraduate research students to do just that!

In collaboration with the University of Queensland, the University of Sydney is running its annual 3MT event for 2018. The purpose of this research communication competition is to test post graduate research students to showcase their research topic and its significance in an engaging way. Students are required to make a compelling presentation on their thesis topic and its significance to an intelligent, non-specialist audience in three minutes, using just one slide!

The competition is open to all higher degree by research candidates. This includes Masters by Research, as well as all doctoral candidates. Unfortunately honours students are not permitted to compete.

Eligibility

Active PhD and Professional Doctorate (Research) candidates who have successfully passed their confirmation 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.

Supervisors are encouraged to bring this competition to the attention of their students. 3MT is a great way for students to practise explaining their research to people who are not familiar with their field – skills that will serve them well when applying for funding or engaging media attention. Plus, it’s always lots of fun. There are also cash prizes and the chance to travel to the University of Queensland for the Asia-Pacific final on 27 September 2018.

Final heat and awards

The final heat and awards session will be hosted by Adam Spencer and the Vice - Chancellor of the University of Sydney, Dr Michael Spence on Friday 3 August 2018 between 2:00 pm –3:00 pm at the Old Geology Lecture Theatre.

All PhD and Professional Doctorate (Research) candidates who are eligible to participate in the final heat will be contacted by Atchana Santhirathas.

Spectators who are interested in being apart of the audience can register via the registration link provided on the page.