OVERVIEW
The Three Minute Thesis competition celebrates the exciting research conducted by Doctor of Philosophy students. Developed by The University of Queensland, 3MT cultivates students’ academic, presentation, and research communication skills. The competition supports their capacity to effectively explain their research in three minutes, in a language appropriate to a non-specialist audience.
The first 3MT was held at the University of Queensland in 2008, seeing 160 students competing. Since then, enthusiasm for the 3MT concept has grown and the competition is now held in over 900 universities across more than 85 countries worldwide.
UBDSBE is registered with 3MT to use their competition materials to run and organise our own 3MT competition. UBDSBE organised its first 3MT competition in 2018.
AIMS & BENEFITS
Participating in 3MT develops academic, presentation and research communication skills, while developing research candidates’ ability to effectively explain their research in language appropriate to a non-specialist audience.
Skills development for research candidates
Participating in 3MT develops academic, presentation and research communication skills, while developing research candidates’ ability to effectively explain their research in language appropriate to a non-specialist audience.
Building research culture in universities
3MT provides a valuable opportunity for HDR candidates to come together (live or virtually), get to know one another and talk about their research. It also provides a supportive environment in which schools, institutes and universities can provide presentation skills training.
Building external relations for the university
3MT winners may go on to represent their university at national and international 3MT competitions which provides an excellent networking and professional development opportunity. Previous 3MT finalists have benefited from invitations to a variety of other networking events following their participation in the competition.
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?
Active PhD 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.
Graduates are not eligible.
PhD students in business, economics and finance-related disciplines from all
higher education institutions in Brunei are invited to participate.
Information for Judging Panel 3MT Final
BACKGROUND:
The Three Minute Thesis competition celebrates the exciting research conducted by Doctor of Philosophy students. Developed by The University of Queensland, 3MT cultivates students’ academic, presentation, and research communication skills. The competition supports their capacity to effectively explain their research in three minutes, in a language appropriate to a non-specialist audience.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) students have three minutes to present a compelling oration on their thesis and its significance. 3MT is not an exercise in trivialising or ‘dumbing-down’ research, but challenges students to consolidate their ideas and research discoveries so they can be presented concisely to a non-specialist audience.
RULES
- Presentations are limited to 3 minutes maximum and competitors exceeding 3 minutes are disqualified.
- 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 either movement or speech.
- A single static PowerPoint slide is permitted. No slide transitions, animations or movement) and 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.
- The decision of the adjudicating panel is final.
AWARD & PRIZES
| Winner |
BND1,000 |
| Runner-Up |
BND500 |
| People’s Choice |
UBD Merchandise |
JUDGING CRITERIA:
Each competitor will be assessed on the judging criteria listed below. Each criterion is equally weighted and has an emphasis on audience.
Comprehension and content
• Presentation provided clear motivation, background and significance to the research question
• Presentation clearly described the research strategy/design and the results/findings of the research
• Presentation clearly described the conclusions, outcomes and impact of the research
Engagement and communication
Engagement and communication
• The oration was delivered clearly, and the language was appropriate for a non-specialist audience
• The PowerPoint slide was well-defined and enhanced the presentation
• The presenter conveyed enthusiasm for their research and captured and maintained the audience’s attention
PEOPLE’S CHOICE:
An important aspect of the competition is the People’s Choice prize. Following all presentations, the audience is asked to vote on who they thought gave the most convincing 3MT presentation (based on their understanding of the criteria outlined above). Details of the finalist will be provided to the audience via powerpoint and using the voting paper is asked to select the number which corresponds to their favourite presenter. A finalist can be the winner or runner-up and still receive the People’s Choice award.