3MT at Emory

The Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) is an academic competition developed by The University of Queensland (UQ) Australia in which graduate students deliver a compelling presentation to a non-specialist audience in three minutes or less. Since its founding in 2008, 3MT® is now offered at over 600 universities in 60 countries, with winners going on to compete in regional and national events as well.

Participating in the 3MT® Competition strengthens graduate students’ academic, presentation, and research communication skills and gives students experience in sharing the significance of their research with multiple audiences.

Apply to Participate

Why participate in 3MT?

Benefits include the opportunity to:

  • share your work and its impact with a wider audience

  • enhance your ability to communicate research to a non-specialist audience - in the 3MT competition, in an elevator talk, or at a family picnic

  • refine your public speaking and presentation skills

  • expand your professional network

  • gain media exposure - finalist videos are posted to Laney's YouTube Channel and winners are highlighted in Laney publications

  • be a part of a growing professional community - 3MT competitions are now held at over 600 universities in 60 countries and Emory's winner can participate in additional 3MT showcases and events

3MT at Emory

The competition is judged by a panel comprised of a diverse group of professionals (academic and non-academic) with a wide range of professional expertise. 

2024 3MT Timeline

January 19, 12:00-1:00pm       Info Session (Optional)

January 24, 5:00-6:00pm         Info Session (Optional)

February 6, 3:30-5:00pm        Communicating Research Workshop (Optional)

February 15                              Participation Application Deadline  

February 16                              Preliminary Round Competitors Notified        

February 19-23                         Preliminary Round Group Coaching 

February 26-29                         3MT Preliminary Round  

March 4                                     Finalists Notified 

March 6-8, 18-20                      Finalist 1:1 Coaching

Mar 26, 4:00-6:00pm               3MT Finals

How It Works

Presentation Rules

  • A single static PowerPoint slide is permitted (no slide transitions, animations or 'movement' of any description, 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 (eg. no poems, raps or songs).
  • Presentations are to commence from the stage.
  • Presentations are considered to have commenced when a presenter starts their presentation through movement or speech.
  • The decision of the adjudicating panel is final.

Consulting with Nature to Develop Chemical Reactions

1st Place Winning Presentation - Consulting with Nature to Develop Chemical Reactions