Three minutes. One slide. A lifetime skill.
Registration is now open for the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) competition, an opportunity for graduate students to develop their communication skills while sharing the impact of their work with a broad audience.
Whether your work takes place in a classroom, laboratory, clinic, studio, or community setting, your success often depends on your ability to explain not only what you study, but why it matters. 3MT® challenges you to communicate complex ideas in a clear, engaging, and accessible way, not only to experts in your field, but also to people with little or no background in your area of study.
Judging Criteria
Presentations are judged by two main criteria: comprehension/content and engagement. Did the presentation help the audience (who may have no background at all in the research area) understand the topic? Did the method of presentation make the audience want to know more?
The strongest presentations are those that inspire curiosity while remaining accurate, engaging, and accessible.
The Impact of 3MT Involvement
This is your opportunity to share how your research makes a difference. If you sign up, we will also work with you to develop your presentation to highlight your work for colleagues, funders, legislators, or even your own family!
Participating in 3MT is more than a competition. It’s a chance to strengthen one of the most valuable skills you’ll use throughout your academic and professional career: communicating your work with confidence. Along the way, you’ll receive support and guidance as you develop a presentation that showcases the significance of your research or scholarly project.
Awards
Prizes will be awarded to the top three winners, the people’s choice award recipient, and finalists. The first-place winner will receive $2,000, second place will receive $1,500, and both the third-place winner and the people’s choice award recipient will receive $1,000. Each finalist will also receive a $200 prize.
Whether you’re preparing for conference presentations, job interviews, grant opportunities, or simply want to become a more effective communicator, 3MT® offers a supportive environment to practice sharing your work with a wider audience.
If you’re ready to challenge yourself, refine your presentation skills, and showcase your research, we encourage you to register today.
Challenge yourself. Refine your message. Share why your work matters.