UQ Indigenous 3MT Competition - Smart. Fast. Deadly. - Three Minute Thesis

The Three Minute Thesis (3MT) is an internationally recognised research communication competition developed by The University of Queensland (UQ). It challenges Doctor of Philosophy candidates to present their research in just three minutes, building their ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively to a non-specialist audience.

UQ is proud to host the Indigenous 3MT Competition – Smart. Fast. Deadly. This event celebrates the depth, diversity, and impact of research led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Higher Degree by Research (HDR) candidates.

Open to Indigenous HDR candidates at UQ, the competition provides a platform to share research, perspectives, and stories, while strengthening presentation and communication skills in a supportive environment.

Participants in the Indigenous 3MT Competition are also encouraged to take part in the broader UQ 3MT Competition.

Stay connected with the latest updates by following 3MT on Facebook.

2026 Key Dates

Key dates for the 2026 Indigenous 3MT competition include:

NOW - Registrations open - UQ Indigenous 3MT Competitor Registration Form
10 June - Indigenous 3MT competition conducted

Following the Indigenous 3MT competition, candidates may also choose to participate in their local School or Institute 3MT competitions as part of the broader UQ 3MT pathway. Please note that participation in these competitions requires a separate registration.

NOW - Registrations open - UQ 3MT Competitor Registration Form
Sunday 7 June - Registrations close
6–17 July - All discipline heat 3MT competitions conducted
3–14 August - Faculty/Combined Institute 3MT Final competitions conducted
Wednesday 9 September - Wildcard 3MT Competition (St Lucia Campus)
Wednesday 16 September - UQ 3MT Final (St Lucia Campus)
Wednesday 14 October - Virtual Asia-Pacific 3MT Final

Indigenous 3MT Competition - Smart. Fast. Deadly

Competitor Registration and Process

To register as a competitor for the Indigenous 3MT competition please complete the Competitor Registration Form.

We will contact you to confirm your participation and provide additional details.

The format of the UQ 3MT Competition at all levels is a live in-person event and all competitors are required to be judged on a live in-person performance.

Below outlines a step-by-step process for competitors and 3MT event coordinators for the School/Institute and Faculty Final levels of the UQ 3MT competition:

To compete in the 2026 UQ Indigenous 3MT Competition all HDR candidates will need to complete the Competitor Registration Form.
The Graduate Research School will then provide instructions to competitors regarding their competition heat.
Competitors prepare their 3MT presentations.
Competitors email the following to their 3MT Event Coordinator for consideration in the Indigenous 3MT Competition:
- Personal details;
- 3MT PowerPoint slide.

Eligibility

Training and Support

We offer a range of training and support workshops to help you prepare for the 3MT Competition, including sessions focused on communicating your research clearly and confidently.

Please find below the details of upcoming workshops to assist you in preparing for your 3MT presentation.

Impactful Presentations: Script Development [St Lucia]

Date: 5 May 2026
Time: 9:30am - 2:00pm
Location: St Lucia

Presenting for the 3MT [St Lucia]

Date: 12 May 2026
Time: 9:30am - 11:00am
Location: St Lucia

Communicating Qualitative Research [Webinar]

Date: 18 May 2026
Time: 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Location: Zoom

Presenting Your Research [Webinar]

Date: 19 May 2026
Time: 10:00am - 12:00pm
Location: Zoom

Presenting Your Research [Herston]

Date: 19 May 2026
Time: 10:00am - 12:00pm
Location: Herston

Impactful Presentations: Physical Development [St Lucia]

Date: 26 May 2026
Time: 9:30am - 2:00pm
Location: St Lucia

Impactful Presentations: Script Development [Herston]

Date: 29 June 2026
Time: 9:30am - 2:00pm
Location: Herston

Impactful Presentations: Physical Development [Herston]

Date: 13 July 2026
Time: 9:30am - 2:00pm
Location: Herston

Preparation and Rules

Even the world’s best public speakers prepare before important presentations. To assist you with your preparations, please review the 3MT Competitor Guide to help you in writing your presentation, creating your slide and practising your presentation.

Rules

No acknowledgement of country or people is required within your 3 minutes. Any acknowledgements can be emailed before to be entered into the slides used by the MC at the beginning of the event.
A single palm card is allowable, business card – 9cm x 5.5cm
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 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.
Must include your positionality – positionality is the social and political context that creates your identity in terms of race, class gender, sexuality and ability status. Positionality might also describe how your identity influences, and potentially biases, your understanding of and outlook on the world. It may influence your choices of research, research topic and/or methodology.
The decision of the adjudicating panel is final.

Judging Criteria

At every level of the 3MT competition each competitor will be assessed on the judging criteria listed below. Each criterion is equally weighted.

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; and
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; and
The presenter conveyed enthusiasm for their research and captured and maintained the audience’s attention.

UQ Indigenous 3MT Competition - Smart. Fast. Deadly.