UQ-IITD Research Academy 3MT Competition

2026 UQ-IITD Research Academy 3MT® Competition

Three Minute Thesis Competitions (3MT) celebrate the exciting research conducted by Doctor of Philosophy students. Developed by The University of Queensland (UQ), 3MT cultivates students’ academic, presentation, and research communication skills.

The competition supports their capacity to effectively explain their research in three minutes, in language appropriate to, and engaging for, a non-specialist audience.

The Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi (IITD) is proud to host the 2026 UQ–IITD Research Academy's 3MT Competition. The competition is part of the UQ–IITD Research Academy Annual Symposium and is open to joint PhD candidates attending the Symposium in person.

Please note that the 2026 UQ-IITD Research Academy 3MT Competition is a standalone event and does not provide a pathway to the UQ 3MT competition.

2026 Key dates

UQ-IITD Research Academy 3MT Competition

Competitor registration and process

The format of the 2026 UQ–IITD Research Academy 3MT Competition will be a live in-person event. All competitors are required to be judged on a live, in-person performance. See Preparation and Rules below.

Register via the UQ-IITD 2026 Symposium 3MT Competition registration form. By registering to participate in the UQ–IITD Research Academy 3MT Competition, you agree to the eligibility, rules, and judging criteria provided below.

Eligibility

Preparation and rules

Even the world’s best public speakers prepare before important presentations. To assist you with your preparations, you may wish to review the guide for competitors in the UQ 3MT Competition to help you in writing your presentation, creating your slide and practising your presentation.

The 2026 UQ–IITD Research Academy 3MT Competition adheres to the rules followed by all 3MT Competitions at UQ:

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.
The decision of the adjudicating panel is final.

Judging criteria

Competitors in the 2026 UQ–IITD Research Academy 3MT Competition will be assessed on the same judging criteria as other 3MT competitions at UQ. 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.

The format of the 2026 UQ 3MT Competition at all levels is to be a live, in-person event and all competitors are required to be judged on a live in-person performance.

UQ-IITD Research Academy 3MT Competition

2026 Key dates

UQ-IITD Research Academy 3MT Competition

Event details

Competitor registration and process

Eligibility

Preparation and rules

Judging criteria

Comprehension and content

Engagement and communication

Prizes