The 3MT® competition originated at a time when the state of Queensland in Australia was suffering a severe drought. To conserve water, residents were encouraged to time their showers, and many people had a three-minute egg timer fixed to the wall in their bathroom. The then Dean of the University of Queensland (UQ) Graduate School, Emeritus Professor Alan Lawson, put two and two together and the idea for the 3MT® competition was born: to challenge grad students to describe their research in under three minutes to a general audience for the purpose of cultivating graduate students' research communication skills.
The first 3MT® competition was held at the University of Queensland in 2008 with 160 students competing. In 2009 and 2010 the 3MT® competition was promoted to other Australian and New Zealand universities and enthusiasm for the concept grew. Due to its adoption in numerous universities, a multi-national event was developed, and the Inaugural Trans-Tasman 3MT® competition was held at UQ in 2010. The competition kept on growing. Today, over 900 institutions across more than 80 countries around the world hold 3MT® competitions.
An 80,000-word thesis or dissertation would take 9 hours to present. Your time limit...3 minutes.
3MT University-Wide Competition Awards
Congratulations to our 2025 3MT finalists
These finalists will compete at the 3MT University-Wide Competition event on Feb 5, where we select the university finalist who will move on to compete at the regional level. We will also select the runner-up, and the audience will have an opportunity to vote on the People's Choice Award.
- Bahar Balaban—College of Education and Human Ecology
- Ariunaa Bayanjargal—College of Medicine
- Electra Coffman--MCDB [IGP]
- Dina Eissa—College of Arts and Sciences
- Xinyue Fan--College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences
- Carter J. Fietek—2024 Edward F. Hayes Advanced Research Forum Winner
- Elise Frazee—College of Optometry
- Courtney C. Jewell—2024 Edward F. Hayes Advanced Research Forum Winner
- Samantha Mendez--College of Engineering
- Andrew Mitchell—College of Pharmacy
- Pedro Antonio Ortiz Ramirez—2024 Edward F. Hayes Advanced Research Forum Winner
- Balaji Ramesh—College of Public Health
- Alexis Sauer—College of Veterinary Medicine
- Wynne Turner—2024 Edward F. Hayes Advanced Research Forum Winner
2025 University Wide Three Minute Thesis Presentation by Andrew Mitchell
Registration for the 5th Annual 3MT® at The Ohio State University
Registration Form for 3MT Participation
Registrations will be accepted at Ohio State from October 16, 2024 to November 30, 2024 for invited 2024 Hayes winners and graduate students (conducting their own research) from colleges that do not hold a college wide 3MT competition.
Winners of college-level 3MT® competitions will automatically be invited to participate in the final Ohio State University 3MT® competition on February 5, 2025.
This year marks the first year that the Ohio State University 3MT competition will also be open to graduate students in colleges who do not hold college-wide 3MT competitions and can register to participate in the 3MT competition by following the directions below.
In addition, select winners of the 2024 Hayes Forum will be invited by the Graduate School to register for this competition by following the directions below.. Once registered, graduate students from these two groups will participate in an asynchronous video competition, and up to 10 students will be selected to compete in the live final competition along with the college 3MT winners.
Eligibility
Only enrolled graduate students (Ph.D., professional and master’s students) in good standing with the Graduate School are eligible to compete in the 3MT® at Ohio State University. Students interested in being a contestant in the 3MT® competition will present their research project that they are currently pursuing in their programs. Doctoral candidates are eligible to compete either in the preliminary part, or after their comprehensive exams, and/or when they are at the dissertation phase. Master’s students should be in the second year of their program and have made significant progress on their thesis or independent research.
Participation reminder
Students that are most successful in these 3MT® competitions understand how to conduct research and are engaged in enough research so that they can speak about: (1) the purpose/goals of their research project, (2) the research strategy/design and results/findings, as well as (3) explain the potential significance and/or applications of their work to a broad audience.
Eligibility Note
Previous 3MT® finalists, alumni, and post docs are not eligible to participate in this competition.
Awards
- Winner: $500
- Runner-up: $400
- People’s Choice: $500
Competition Rules
- A single static PowerPoint slide is permitted. No slide transitions, animations or ‘movement’ of any description are allowed. The slide 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.
- 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, songs, etc.).
- Presentations are to commence from the stage (or designated area in front of their PowerPoint static slide).
- Presentations are considered to have commenced when a presenter starts their presentation through either movement or speech.
- Do not turn to or point at your single static PowerPoint during your presentation
- Important: The decisions of the judging panel at any stage are final.
3MT® Competition-Rubric
3MT® Competition-Rubric - Click for rubric criteria
The Three Minute Thesis competition is graded on a point system based on four levels of criteria of performance across 11 categories.
Four Performance Levels
- Beginning - Identifiable knowledge and skills reflecting a beginning level
- Developing - Identifiable knowledge and skills reflecting development and movement toward mastery
- Accomplished - Identifiable knowledge and skills reflecting mastery
- Exemplary - Identifiable knowledge and skills reflecting the highest level
Eleven Performance Criteria
- Presenter provides an understanding of the background and significance to the research question being addressed, while explaining terminology and avoiding jargon.
- Presenter clearly describes the impact and/or results of the research, including conclusions and outcomes.
- Presenter follows a clear and logical sequence.
- The topic, research significance, results/impact and outcomes are communicated in language appropriate to a non-specialist audience.
- The presenter spent adequate time on each element of their presentation.
- The oration makes the audience want to know more.
- The presenter was careful to not trivialize or generalize their research.
- The presenter conveyed enthusiasm for their research.
- The presenter captured and maintained their audience's attention.
- The presenter has sufficient stage presence (eye contact and vocal range, maintains a steady pace, and has a confident stance).
- The PowerPoint slide enhanced the presentation – it was clear, legible, and concise.
Sample Panelist Scoring Rubric
Student Name:
Date:
Reviewer’s Name:
Part A: Comprehension and content
Presenter provides an understanding of the background and significance to the research question being addressed, while explaining terminology and avoiding jargon.
- Basic 1.00 Points
- Identifiable knowledge and skills reflecting a beginning level
- Developing - 2.00 Points
- Identifiable knowledge and skills reflecting development and movement toward mastery
- Accomplished - 3.00 Points
- Identifiable knowledge and skills reflecting mastery
- Exemplary - 4.00 Points
- Identifiable knowledge and skills reflecting the highest level
Presenter clearly describes the impact and/or results of the research, including conclusions and outcomes.
- Basic 1.00 Points
- Identifiable knowledge and skills reflecting a beginning level
- Developing - 2.00 Points
- Identifiable knowledge and skills reflecting development and movement toward mastery
- Accomplished - 3.00 Points
- Identifiable knowledge and skills reflecting mastery
- Exemplary - 4.00 Points
- Identifiable knowledge and skills reflecting the highest level
Presenter follows a clear and logical sequence.
- Basic 1.00 Points
- Identifiable knowledge and skills reflecting a beginning level
- Developing - 2.00 Points
- Identifiable knowledge and skills reflecting development and movement toward mastery
- Accomplished - 3.00 Points
- Identifiable knowledge and skills reflecting mastery
- Exemplary - 4.00 Points
- Identifiable knowledge and skills reflecting the highest level
The topic, research significance, results/impact and outcomes are communicated in language appropriate to a non-specialist audience.
- Basic 1.00 Points
- Identifiable knowledge and skills reflecting a beginning level
- Developing - 2.00 Points
- Identifiable knowledge and skills reflecting development and movement toward mastery
- Accomplished - 3.00 Points
- Identifiable knowledge and skills reflecting mastery
- Exemplary - 4.00 Points
- Identifiable knowledge and skills reflecting the highest level
The presenter spent adequate time on each element of their presentation.
- Basic 1.00 Points
- Identifiable knowledge and skills reflecting a beginning level
- Developing - 2.00 Points
- Identifiable knowledge and skills reflecting development and movement toward mastery
- Accomplished - 3.00 Points
- Identifiable knowledge and skills reflecting mastery
- Exemplary - 4.00 Points
- Identifiable knowledge and skills reflecting the highest level
Part B: Engagement and communication
The oration makes the audience want to know more.
- Basic 1.00 Points
- Identifiable knowledge and skills reflecting a beginning level
- Developing - 2.00 Points
- Identifiable knowledge and skills reflecting development and movement toward mastery
- Accomplished - 3.00 Points
- Identifiable knowledge and skills reflecting mastery
- Exemplary - 4.00 Points
- Identifiable knowledge and skills reflecting the highest level
The presenter was careful to not trivialize or generalize their research.
- Basic 1.00 Points
- Identifiable knowledge and skills reflecting a beginning level
- Developing - 2.00 Points
- Identifiable knowledge and skills reflecting development and movement toward mastery
- Accomplished - 3.00 Points
- Identifiable knowledge and skills reflecting mastery
- Exemplary - 4.00 Points
- Identifiable knowledge and skills reflecting the highest level
The presenter conveyed enthusiasm for their research.
- Basic 1.00 Points
- Identifiable knowledge and skills reflecting a beginning level
- Developing - 2.00 Points
- Identifiable knowledge and skills reflecting development and movement toward mastery
- Accomplished - 3.00 Points
- Identifiable knowledge and skills reflecting mastery
- Exemplary - 4.00 Points
- Identifiable knowledge and skills reflecting the highest level
The presenter captured and maintained their audience's attention.
- Basic 1.00 Points
- Identifiable knowledge and skills reflecting a beginning level
- Developing - 2.00 Points
- Identifiable knowledge and skills reflecting development and movement toward mastery
- Accomplished - 3.00 Points
- Identifiable knowledge and skills reflecting mastery
- Exemplary - 4.00 Points
- Identifiable knowledge and skills reflecting the highest level
The presenter has sufficient stage presence (eye contact and vocal range, maintains a steady pace, and has a confident stance).
- Basic 1.00 Points
- Identifiable knowledge and skills reflecting a beginning level
- Developing - 2.00 Points
- Identifiable knowledge and skills reflecting development and movement toward mastery
- Accomplished - 3.00 Points
- Identifiable knowledge and skills reflecting mastery
- Exemplary - 4.00 Points
- Identifiable knowledge and skills reflecting the highest level
The PowerPoint slide enhanced the presentation – it was clear, legible, and concise.
- Basic 1.00 Points
- Identifiable knowledge and skills reflecting a beginning level
- Developing - 2.00 Points
- Identifiable knowledge and skills reflecting development and movement toward mastery
- Accomplished - 3.00 Points
- Identifiable knowledge and skills reflecting mastery
- Exemplary - 4.00 Points
- Identifiable knowledge and skills reflecting the highest level
For questions regarding the 3MT process at Ohio State University or to receive a copy of the actual scoring rubric by email, please contact Karin Jordan: jordan.1193@osu.edu
PowerPoint Template
Please use the below PowerPoint for your final competition slide.
Graduate School Ohio State Branded PowerPoint Template
Asynchronous Video Competition Guidelines
This section is specifically video guidelines for the asynchronous video competition (for graduate students from colleges who do not hold a college-wide 3MT competition and invited Hayes Forum winners)
- Record horizontally
- Record from a static position
- Record from one camera angle
- Display your single static PowerPoint, any other background should be plain
- Audio must be continuous and understandable – Please no sound edits
IMPORTANT: Video recordings are not judged on video quality or editing capabilities. The judging panel will use the Rating Rubric (see link above) focusing on the student presentation. Judging will focus on the presentation, communicating their research to a non-specialist audience, and the single static PowerPoint slide.
Things to Remember
- Review the rubric above so you know what your presentation and single static PowerPoint slide will be evaluated on.
- If you want to see how the 3MT® is done and see what others have done, search the internet for past 3MT® competitor videos. Make sure and review their single static PowerPoint slide. Also check out MAGS.
- Make sure you provide information about the background of the research question you are going to address and its significance in your presentation.
- Be clear to report about the key result(s) and significance of your research and identify the conclusions/implications.
- Make sure your presentation is structured logically and clearly.
- Remember that you are presenting to a non-specialist audience. Provide an adequate background, avoid professional/scientific jargon and/or abbreviations and define terminology.
- Grab the audience’s attention early on, make them want to know more.
- Be aware not to minimize or over generalize your results (get mentor feedback).
- Convey your passion and enthusiasm about your research.
- Get feedback from your advisors and others about your stage presence. Are you engaging, enthusiastic, have eye contact, keep a steady pace and have a vocal range.
- Be confident, this is your research study. You know this information well.
- Assure that the single static PowerPoint slide enhances your presentation? Is it clear, legible and not text heavy, nor has complicated graphs that can distract your audience. (Remember less is more). Are the graphics clear?
- Practice, Practice, Practice, so you can present your information with confidence and ease (no note cards are allowed).
- Stay within your 3-minute time limit.
2023-24 Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Dates
3MT® Workshop
Oct. 15, 2024 - Link to Event
Registrations for the Asynchronous Video 3MT® Competition
Oct. 15, 2024 to Oct 30, 2024 - Link to Registration
All applicants will have a short meeting with Dr Jordan, after which they can submit their materials.
3MT® Videos and single PowerPoints Deadline
Nov. 30, 2024
Once ready to submit your video and slide for the Three Minute Thesis, please upload your video clip and single slide to a OneDrive folder and create a shared link with “University Wide” permissions.
Office 365 Info on Uploading to One Drive
OTDI Resources information about OneDrive
If you have questions about uploading your video or need technical assistance, contact the IT Service Desk at: Phone: 614-688-4357 (HELP), Email: servicedesk@osu.edu, Self Service and chat support: go.osu.edu/it
To finalize your submission visit the video and single slide submission portal below in Qualtrics to submit your OneDrive link.
Video Single Slide Submission Portal
Asynchronous Video 3MT®Finalist Notification
By or before January 16, 2025
Deadline for Submitting Individual College Competition Finalist
Jan. 23, 2025
Colleges should submit their college finalist information to Dr Karin Jordan at Jordan.1193@osu.edu
Note on College Wide Competitions
College wide competitions can be held any time in Fall term or the first few weeks in Spring term - it is the College’s Choice.
Deadline for All* Finalist Slide Submissions
Jan. 24, 2025
*This includes college competition finalists and asynchronous video competition finalists.
Note final single static slide, Presentation title, student name and department name should be sent to Dr Karin Jordan at Jordan.1193@osu.edu
3MT® University Wide In-Person Competition
Feb. 5, 2025
10:00AM to 12:30PM
Senate Chamber Room, Student Union
2024-25 3MT® Competition Process
Phase 1: 3MT® training
Graduate students interested in participating in their College Wide 3MT® competition should participate in a variety of workshops and interactive sessions throughout the fall semester to hone their three minute research pitch. These workshops and interactive sessions include topics such as:
- Communicating your research in three minutes
- Creating your single Static PowerPoint slide
- Story Telling
- Communicating complex topics: avoiding jargon
- Finding your presentation voice
Phase 2: 3MT®Participation in Preliminary Competition
There are three ways that graduate (master’s and doctoral level) and professional students can get involved and participate in the Ohio State University 3MT® Competition.
College Wide Competition - Option 1
Note: College Wide Competitions can be held any time in Fall term or the first few weeks in Spring term - it is the College’s Choice.
Individual Student (Self Nomination) Video Competition - Option 2
2024 Hayes Forum Winner’s Video Competition - Option 3
Registration and Pre-Competition Format for Option 2 and 3
Open call to Ohio State master’s and/or doctoral students (Option 2) and the 2024 Graduate School invited Hayes winners (Option 3), who are conducting their own research, to complete a 3MT® registration form between October 15ths 2024 to October 30th 2024 via the web portal.. Meet with Dr Jordan, Assistant Dean for Graduate Development and Engagement via Zoom or in-person. Submit your 3MT® video and single static Power Point via the web portal by November 30, 2024 for the asynchronous 3MT® competition. A selection committee will select up to 10 student finalists to advance to Phase 3.
Important: The graduate student's faculty adviser(s) must approve of the student's participation in the competition.
Phase 3: Final round- In-person format
The final round will be in-person and include the (1) College Wide Competition finalists and the up to 10 finalists from the (2) Individual Student (Self Nomination) Video Competition, and (3) 2024 Hayes Forum Winner’s Video Competition will compete in the in-person University wide 3MT® Competition. This event is scheduled for February 5, 2025. in front of an audience. The winners will be asked to record their presentation to be posted on our website. A committee of judges will select one first-place winner and one runner-up, and the audience will vote for the People's Choice Winner.
3MT® winners (1st place winner, runner -up, and People’s Choice) will be recognized at the Graduate School’s Annual Award Ceremony in April. Their advisors are also invited to attend.
IMPORTANT: The first-place 3MT® winner will advance to Phase 4.
Phase 4: Regional - In-person format
The first-place 3MT® winner of the Ohio State will move on to compete in-person at the regional level at the Mid-Western Association of Graduate Schools (MAGS) competition in March 2025 at their annual conference.
Winners of the regional competition are invited to the national competition hosted by the Council of Graduate Schools.
Upcoming 3MT Events
Still Have Questions?
Development, Engagement, Careers, and Workshops
Assistant Dean Karin Jordan
jordan.1193@osu.edu