3MT Competition
糖心vlog蜜桃 Graduate School is proud to host its inaugural Three Minute Thesis (3MT庐) Competition founded by . This exciting event challenges UofM graduate students to present their research, scholarship, or creative work in just three minutes to a general audience.
The 3MT庐 Competition celebrates the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, concisely, and engagingly beyond academic audiences.
Through this competition, graduate students have the opportunity to:
- Showcase your research to the broader UofM community
- Build confidence in public speaking
- Strengthen professional communication skills
- Prepare for conferences, interviews, and future career opportunities
- Connect with fellow graduate students and faculty across disciplines
Participants will present their work using only one static slide and three minutes of spoken presentation time.
Submit Your Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Entry Form
Ready to compete? Submit the to enter the competition and showcase your research in just three minutes and provide a link to your recorded presentation. Your video may be hosted on YouTube, Vimeo, or another online video-sharing service.
3MT Presentation Rules & Parameters
Before submitting your entry, please review the following requirements:
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Keep it to three minutes: Presentations must be 3 minutes or less. Competitors who exceed the three-minute limit will be disqualified.
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Stay visible: The presenter must remain visible on screen throughout the entire presentation. The presentation may not consist solely of a voiceover. Both the presenter and the required static slide must remain visible for the duration of the presentation.
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Use spoken word: Presentations are to be straightforward, lecture-style (as opposed to a creative or musical interpretation), informative, and appropriate to an academic audience.
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Start the clock: The three-minute clock begins when the presenter starts speaking.
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Use one static slide: Competitors must use one single static slide, which must be visible from the beginning of the presentation. Slide transitions, animations, and other slide movements are not permitted.
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No additional media: Additional electronic media, including sound or video files, are not permitted.
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No props: Additional props鈥攊ncluding costumes, musical instruments, laboratory equipment, or other physical materials鈥攁re not permitted.
- Competitors will be evaluated on their presentation and ability to communicate research to a non-specialist audience, not on production quality. UM Global/distance learners who advance to the final round must present live at the final event.
Tip: Your goal is to communicate your research clearly and engagingly to a general audience. Keep your presentation focused, practice your timing, and make every second count!
Video-recording Requirements
- Background: Videos must be filmed against a plain background.
- Camera: Videos must be filmed from a static position and one camera angle.
- Orientation: Videos must be horizontal. Vertical videos will not be accepted.
- Audio: Audio must be continuous, without edits or breaks. Background noise may be suppressed, but the audio cannot otherwise be clipped or edited.
Competition Timeline: Fall 2026 Schedule
- September 29: hosted by the UofM Libraries in the McWherter Library 2nd floor Commons from 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM - for the workshop!
- Open Sept 30 - Closing Oct 14: Submit your 3MT Entry Form & presentation video
- October 28 - Winners of First Round Notified
- November 11: UofM 3MT Competition in the UC Theatre start time is 3:30 p.m. Winners will be announced at this event. Awards will be administered after the event via a check in compliance with University Policy.
Whether your research is conducted in a lab, classroom, archive, studio, or community setting, 3MT庐 helps you share why your work matters.
Awards & Recognition
The competition will be separated into two categories: Master鈥檚 students and Doctoral students.
Awards (for each category):
- Winner: $750
- Runner-up: $500
Additional Awards:
- People鈥檚 Choice Award: $100
Finalists:
- All finalists will receive certificates of participation
Additional Benefit:
- Travel support (transportation and two nights hotel) to compete in the will also be provided for the winner of the doctoral category.
