Three Minute Thesis

Currently enrolled doctoral and master's students in all disciplines at UAlbany will be eligible to participate in 3MT®.

Work presented must have been conducted at UAlbany.  

Students should be in the final stages of graduate school, so they have some sound conclusions and impacts from their research.

Alumni are not eligible. 

Register to participate by 11:59 a.m. on Monday, February 12, 2024.

If your slide or video is not ready at the time of registration, you must upload your slide to 3MT PowerPoint Slides and email your video link to [email protected].

Your PowerPoint slide must be one static widescreen size (16:9). In PowerPoint, click the Design tab, then click Slide Size and choose Widescreen (16:9).

Presentation Title 

On the registration form, you will be asked to include the title of your presentation. Please aim to keep your title catchy, informative, concise, and true to your research.  

An important element of the competition is communicating your research in a concise and engaging manner and that starts with the title. Try to avoid long titles with technical jargon. 

Presentation Slide 

All participating students must have a single, static PowerPoint slide (no animations, no transitions) to accompany their presentation. The slide must be in widescreen (16:9) format. 

When creating your slide, remember that the slide is another tool to help you explain and illustrate your research. Avoid including too much text on your slide or having a slide that looks too busy, which can distract from rather than enhance your presentation. 

Think carefully about what is most important to include on your slide to tell the story of your research. Oftentimes the most memorable slides are simple and leave the audience with a clear snapshot of the research.  

Presentation Video

Please follow the UAlbany 3MT Virtual Competition Guide for more information on preparing your video. 

• 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. cue cards, 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 or songs). 

• Presentations are to commence from the stage. 

• Presentations are considered to have commenced when a presenter starts their presentation through either movement or speech. 

• The decision of the adjudicating panel is final. 

Content 

• Did the presentation provide an understanding of the background to the research question being addressed and its significance? 

• Did the presentation clearly describe the key results of the research including conclusions and outcomes? 

Comprehension 

• Did the presentation follow a clear and logical sequence? 

• Was the thesis topic, key results and research significance and outcomes communicated in language appropriate to a non-specialist audience? 

• Did the speaker avoid scientific jargon, explain terminology and provide adequate background information to illustrate points? 

• Did the presenter spend adequate time on each element of their presentation? Or did they elaborate for too long on one aspect or was the presentation rushed? 

Engagement 

• Did the oration make the audience want to know more? 

• Did the presenter convey enthusiasm for their research? 

• Did the presenter capture and maintain their audience's attention? 

Communication 

• Was the presenter careful not to trivialize or generalize their research? 

• Did the speaker have sufficient stage presence, eye contact and vocal range? Did the speaker maintain a steady pace, and have a confident stance? 

• Did the PowerPoint slide enhance the presentation? Was it clear, legible, and concise? 

Resources

UAlbany 3MT Virtual Competition Guidelines

Videos 

Watch 3MT Presentations from around the world

Six Components of a Successful 3MT Speech

3MT: The Three Most Common Mistakes

3MT: 3 Tips to Help You Prepare a Winning Presentation
 

Articles 

UAlbany 3MT Virtual Competition Guide

How Grad Students Can Effectively Tell Their Research Story

Is it Worth Doing the Three Minute Thesis?