Three Minute Thesis
Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) celebrates the exciting research conducted by thesis-based graduate students around the world. Developed by The University of Queensland (UQ), the competition cultivates students’ academic, presentation, and research communication skills. Students participating in a 3MT competition learn to effectively explain their research in three minutes, in language appropriate to a non-specialist audience. Competitors are allowed one static PowerPoint slide, but no other resources or props.
In 2024, Mines will host our annual 3MT program, which includes training workshops, practice sessions, and 2 rounds of contests with friendly judges in Feb-April (see details below). The winner will represent Mines in a state-wide competition April 19, 2024.
In addition to improved public speaking skills, benefits include generous prizes (up to $1500 at both Mines and the state level)!
Interested in participating? Check out the information below and view past successful talks from graduate students around the world here: https://threeminutethesis.uq.edu.au/watch-3mt
Eligibility
- Active Doctoral and Thesis based candidates are eligible to participate. A competitive candidate should have a well conceived dissertation or thesis project, compelling data collected, and a novel story to share. Graduates of Colorado School of Mines are not eligible.
- All competitors must be able to attend each competition in person. No exceptions will be made.
Competition Rules
- Presentations are limited to 3 minutes and competitors exceeding 3 minutes are disqualified. A single static slide is permitted (no slide transitions, animations or ‘movement’ of any description).
- No additional props (e.g. costumes, musical instruments, laboratory equipment, animated backgrounds) are permitted.
- Presentations are to be spoken word (e.g. no poems, raps or songs).
- Presentations are considered to have commenced when a presenter starts their presentation through speech.
- No additional electronic media (e.g. sound and video files) are permitted within the video recording.
- Presentations will be given live via Zoom, using a format in which the speaker and their slide are visible side-by-side on the audience/judges’ screens.
- The decision of the adjudicating panel is final.
Judging Criteria
At each competitive event, a panel of 3-5 judges (e.g. faculty, staff, university leaders and graduate students) will evaluate each talk based on the following criteria. Peoples’ Choice awards (voted by audience members) are also given.
Engagement and 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?
Comprehension and Content
- Did the presentation provide and 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 conclusion 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 nonspecialist 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 the presentation- or did he/she elaborate for too long on one aspect or was the presentation rushed?
Prizes
Mines competition:
- Winner: $500
- Runner-up: $250
- People’s Choice Winner: $250
- Top 10: $50 each
Regional Contest at Metro State University, Denver
- First Prize – $500
- Runner-up – $250
Click to “LEARN MORE AND SIGN UP”
Introductory Sessions*:
- Thursday, Feb 29, 12:00-1:30 – Brown Hall, W475
- Monday, Mar 4, 9:00-10:30 – ZOOM (details will be shared by email to those who sign up using the link above; *please contact Jenny Briggs at jsbriggs@mines.edu if unable to attend)
Workshop/Practice Sessions:
- Tuesday, Mar 5, 4:00-5:30 – Alderson Hall, 152
- Wednesday, Mar 6, 12:00-1:30 – Alderson Hall, 152
- Tuesday, Mar 12, 4:00-5:30 – Alderson Hall, 152
- Thursday, Mar 14, 12:00-1:30 – Student Center, Ballroom D
- Tuesday, Mar 26, 4:00-5:30 – Alderson Hall, 152 (final practice)
Competition Session:
- Final Contest at Mines – Wednesday, Apr 3, 3:30 – 4:30 – GRADS Symposium, Student Center, Ballroom A
- Contest at Mines: April 3, 3:30 – 4:30 PM – GRADS Symposium, Student Center, Ballroom A
- Statewide Contest: Metro State Univerisity Denver April 19, 1:00 – 2:30 PM
Regional Contest at Metro State University, Denver – April 19, 1:00 PM-2:30 PM
Questions? Please contact: wdelesha@mines.edu
Cosponsored by Graduate Student Government (GSG), and The Office of Graduate Studies (OGS)
Winner: Rania Pommer
“Rock[s]… don’t fail, they break up
Runner up: Dylan Jennings
Designing Novel Materials for Efficient Hydrogen Production
People’s Choice: Rania Pommer
“Rock[s]… don’t fail, they break up”
Spring 2018 3MT Images
