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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.

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.

Zoe Piper - HDR student

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.

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.

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      ANU 3MT final 2024 prizes 

      • $4,000 will be provided to the winner of the ANU final
      • $2,500 prize for the second runner up 
      • $1,000 prize for the people’s choice
      • A $500 research grant will go to all remaining finalists presenting in the ANU 3MT 2024 final

        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.

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        Comprehension & content

        • Did the presentation provide an understanding of the background to the research question being addressed and its significance?
        • Did the presentation clearly describe any key results of the research, conclusions and outcomes achieved thus far?
        • Was the presentation well structured and follow a clear and logical sequence?
        • Was the language used in the presentation appropriate for a non-specialist audience?

         

        Engagement & communication

        • Did the presentation make the audience want to know more?
        • Did the presenter convey their enthusiasm for their research?
        • Did the presenter capture and maintain their audience's attention?
        • Did the speaker have a good stage presence?
        • Did the PowerPoint slide enhance the presentation – was it clear, legible, and concise?

        May 6          2pm to 3pm 3MT launch/information workshop

        May 13        2pm to 3.30pm How to win 3MT – 1st workshop 

        May 21        2pm to 3.30pm How to win 3MT – 2nd workshop 

        June 5         2pm to 3.30pm 3MT try outs – session 1

        June 20       2pm to 3.30pm 3MT try outs – session 2

        June 16-28 All week College heats take place

        July 1            Finalists announced

        July 2         2pm to 3pm Finalists planning meeting

        July 8-12    All week One-on-one coaching for finalists

        July 15       2pm to 3.30pm Communication/presentation skills workshop 1

        July 17       2pm to 3.30pm Communication/presentation skills workshop 2

        July 18       5pm to 7pm Technical rehearsal

        July 19       All day Individual training sessions

        July 23       5.30pm to 9.30pm Full dress rehearsal

        July 25       6pm to 7.30pm ANU 3MT Final (Llewellyn Hall)