3MT: The Three Minute Thesis Competition

The Three-Minute Thesis (often abbreviated to 3MT) is a hugely successful international competition in which higher-degree research candidates demonstrate their communication skills while showcasing their research. Participants present to non-specialist audiences for three short minutes, giving insight into their research and its importance in accessible and engaging language, using only a single PowerPoint slide. It is the ultimate test of the researcher as a communicator.

Why should I take part in 3MT?

Whether you like it or not, to have any chance at succeeding these days, you need to be able to talk about who you are and what you do to any audience, in any context and in any format. The Three-Minute Thesis competition provides the opportunity for HDR candidates to develop the presentation skills that are crucial for a successful career post-PhD – both inside and outside academia.

College 3MT competition

The ANU College of Asia and the Pacific (CAP) 3MT Competition will be held on Thursday 27 June from 2:00 – 4:00pm in Hedley Bull Building, Lecture Room 1.

The event will include a range of exciting 3MT presentations from HDR students across the College, followed by an afternoon tea to celebrate all entrants and announce the winners.

The winner and runner-up of CAP competition will advance to the grand finale of ANU 3MT, taking place at Llewellyn Hall on 25 July. Moreover, the winner of the ANU final will progress to the prestigious 2024 Asia Pacific final, which will be held as a virtual event (video submission).

College professional staff and students are highly encouraged to attend and support their candidates and colleagues. It’s a great opportunity to learn about the incredible research being undertaken across our Schools and support our College community.

If you would like to attend this event as a guest, not a candidate, please register here. Registrations will close on 13 June 2024.

If you are interested in participating as a candidate, we invite you to read the eligibility criteria and express your interest below.

Eligibility criteria

Only active ANU PhD and Professional Doctorate (Research) candidates who have successfully passed Confirmation of Candidature [formerly thesis proposal review (TPR)] are eligible to compete in the ANU final – this includes candidates who have submitted but not graduated.

MPhil and pre-Confirmation of Candidature PhD and Professional Doctorate (Research) candidates who are active in their programs are eligible to participate in the College competition but cannot advance to the ANU 3MT final.

ANU 3MT finalists are ineligible for further competitions at the School or College level. Instead, we encourage their participation and involvement as role models and ambassadors. Candidates who have participated at the School or College level but have not continued on to the ANU Final are welcome and encouraged to participate again.

If you are interested in and eligible to be a CAP 3MT ambassador, please contact cap.hdr@anu.edu for more details on how to get involved.

Expression of interest

Nominate yourself as a candidate by clicking the button below and completing the registration form.

The deadline for applications is May 31, 2024.

Register as candidate

College prizes

1st prize: $500 & entry to the ANU 3MT Final (if eligible)

Runner up: $250 & entry to the ANU 3MT Final (if eligible)

Beyond offering opportunities for professional growth and the potential to win monetary prizes, participation in the CAP 3MT by HDR candidates guarantees exposure for their work across the CAP digital communications platforms leading up to the College competition. Moreover, the ultimate winner will be featured in a dedicated College media piece highlighting their groundbreaking research.

Judging criteria

At every level of the competition each competitor will be assessed on 'comprehension & content' and 'engagement & communication'. Please note that each criterion is equally weighted and has an emphasis on audience.