FAQs for competitors

Yes, palm cards and/or speech notes are acceptable, however this option may detract from the delivery of the 3MT and is not recommended.

No, additional props (e.g. costumes, musical instruments, laboratory equipment) are not permitted during a 3MT presentation. Laser pointers are allowed, however not encouraged (your slide should be simple enough that you do not need to emphasise elements to the audience).

Yes, quotes can be included from a poem or song if it is relevant to the presenter's thesis topic (spoken word only). Poetry and song lyrics are not permitted to be used to present the entire 3MT and their use should be very limited.

One single static PowerPoint slide is permitted. In preparing the slide, remember that 'less is more'. It does not have to include text. Visual cues are very effective in assisting the presenter's explanation of their research (No slide transitions, animations, sound or 'movement' is permitted).

No additional electronic media (e.g. sound and video files) is permitted during a 3MT presentation.

While this decision rests with each School/Faculty/University, we would discourage remote presentations (if conducting a live event). As an important aspect of the competition is audience engagement, anyone who would choose to present via conferencing facilities would be at a disadvantage compared to other competitors.

There is no stipulated dress requirement such as ‘smart casual’. Some have worn suits with ties, others t-shirts and jeans. Please wear whatever is comfortable for you. NO COSTUMES (including hats, masks, Dame Edna specs, etc).

Yes, it is possible to win a place (First and Runner-Up) and win the People's Choice award.

The winner of each heat or final is expected to represent their School/Institute/Faculty/University at the next stage of the competition. If the winner is unable to attend the final, the runner-up will proceed to the next round of the competition.

Higher education institutions around the world are invited to participate in the Three Minute Thesis Competition. The University of Queensland is pleased to welcome new institutions to the 3MT family each year.

Complete the 3MT Event and Brand Permission Form to receive permission, resources and information needed to run a competition.

For example, if a student, during their presentation, asked the audience to “raise their right arm” while demonstrating how to do so, and explaining the reason for doing so, is that allowable in the competition?

Yes, the presenter is allowed to interact with the audience. This should be limited and rhetorical in nature and not break any of the 3MT rules (e.g. no props, only spoken word)

Yes, you are allowed to participate in the 3MT competition multiple times over the course of your candidature. You are only allowed to participate once per year.

No, you can only participate in one heat per year.

Yes, it is possible for you to win a place (First, Second, etc.) and win People’s Choice Award.

If you win your program/department/faculty heat, you are expected to participate in both the semi-finals and the final. If your schedule changes, and you can no longer participate, you will be disqualified from the event.

Yes, you can visit the official Three Minute Thesis site to view videos from past competition winners at other universities.

Yes, quotes can be included from a poem or song if it is relevant to the presenter's thesis topic. Poetry and song lyrics are not permitted to be used to present the entire 3MT and their use should be very limited.

No. The organiser will prepare a “title slide” for each candidate including the candidate’s name, faculty, degree registered and the presentation title. This “title slide” will appear before his/her video and own single slide is shown.

Yes, you can and it is recommended.

Yes, however it is recommended that you contact your university library with copyright concerns or questions to confirm the use of copywritten content.

The finalist will be disqualified.