Three Minute Thesis (3MT)

The academic area heats and finals have competitor categories enabling all research-intensive candidates to compete in Griffith's 3MT competition.

Finalists who progress to the Griffith final must be active PhD or Professional Doctorate (Research) candidates who have successfully passed their confirmation milestone (including candidates whose thesis is under submission) by the date of their first presentation in an academic area heat. Graduates are not eligible to compete.

Every researcher should know how to present a clear, concise and engaging description of their thesis or research project. The competition will help you to:

• Promote your research to a diverse audience.
• Clarify your argument(s).
• Network with fellow researchers.
• Develop a pitch understandable to those outside your field, industry, private or government partners.

2024 Griffith final prizes

• Winner: $1,500
• Runner-up: $750
• People's choice: $500

2024 Asia-Pacific 3MT competition prizes

• Winner: $5,000 research grant
• Runner-up: $2,000 research grant
• People’s Choice: $1,000 research grant

• Presentations are limited to three minutes and competitors exceeding three minutes are disqualified.
• Presentations are considered to have commenced when a presenter starts their presentation through speech.
• Presentations must meet the following criteria:
  • Contain a 3MT title slide
  • Contain a 3MT PowerPoint slide (top right corner/right side/cut to)
  • A single static PowerPoint slide is permitted. No slide transitions, animations or movement) and is to be presented from the beginning of the oration.
• The presentation audio must be continuous – no breaks.
• No additional props (e.g. costumes, musical instruments, laboratory equipment and animated backgrounds) are permitted within the presentation.
• Presentations are to be spoken word (e.g. no poems, raps or songs).
• No additional electronic media (e.g. sound and video files) are permitted within the presentation.
• The decision of the adjudicating panel is final.

For more details, check out the 3MT competitor guide on the UQ website.

Comprehension and content

• Presentation provided clear motivation, background and significance to the research question
• Presentation clearly described the research strategy/design and the results/findings of the research
• Presentation clearly described the conclusions, outcomes and impact of the research

Engagement and communication

• The oration was delivered clearly, and the language was appropriate for a non-specialist audience
• The PowerPoint slide was well-defined and enhanced the presentation
• The presenter conveyed enthusiasm for their research and captured and maintained the audience’s attention

Download the 3MT Competition Judging Rubric (PDF, 140k)