FAQs for competitors

Yes, you may use palm cards or speech notes during your presentation. However, relying on notes can detract from your delivery and engagement with the audience and judges, so their use is generally not recommended.

No, additional props are not permitted during a 3MT presentation. This includes items such as costumes, musical instruments, laboratory equipment, or other physical objects used to support your presentation. Laser pointers are permitted; however, their use is not encouraged. Your presentation slide should be clear and simple enough that key information can be understood without drawing attention to specific elements.

You may use one single, static presentation slide during your 3MT presentation. When designing your slide, remember that less is often more. Your slide does not need to contain text, and many successful presentations rely primarily on images or other visual elements to support the explanation of the research. Visual cues can be highly effective in helping the audience understand your message.

Slide transitions, animations, embedded videos, sound, or any other form of movement are not permitted.

No. Additional electronic media, including sound recordings, video files, animations, or other multimedia elements, are not permitted during a 3MT presentation. Your presentation must be supported by a single, static slide only.

This will depend on the rules and arrangements of your home institution. If the competition is being conducted as a live, in-person event, online presentations are generally discouraged. Audience engagement is an important component of 3MT, and presenting remotely may place you at a disadvantage compared to competitors presenting in person.

There is no formal dress code for 3MT. Competitors have successfully presented in a range of attire, from business wear to more casual clothing. You should wear something that is professional, appropriate for the event, and comfortable for you.

Costumes and costume accessories are not permitted. This includes items such as hats, masks, novelty glasses, or any other clothing or accessories intended to function as props during your presentation.

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.

Yes. You may interact with the audience during your presentation if it helps communicate your research and engage your audience.

For example, you may ask the audience a rhetorical question or invite them to perform a simple action as part of an explanation or demonstration. However, any audience interaction should be brief, relevant to your presentation, and must not breach any 3MT rules, such as the prohibition on props or additional presentation materials.

Your presentation should remain focused on clearly communicating your research within the three-minute time limit.

Yes. You may participate in the 3MT competition multiple times throughout your candidature, provided you continue to meet the eligibility requirements.

However, you may only compete once per competition cycle (calendar year). If you have already participated in 3MT this year, you will need to wait until the next competition cycle to enter again.

No. You may only compete in one heat each year.

If you do not progress to the next stage of the competition from your heat, you will not be eligible to compete in another heat during the same competition cycle. You are, however, welcome to participate again in future years if you remain eligible.

Yes. It is possible to receive a placing in the competition (e.g. First, Second, or Third Place) and also win the People's Choice Award.

The People's Choice Award is determined separately from the judges' rankings, so you may be eligible to receive both awards.

If you progress to the Semi-Final, or from the Semi-Final to the Final, you are expected to participate in the next stage of the competition.

If unforeseen circumstances arise and you are unable to attend, please notify the competition organisers as soon as possible. If you are unable to participate in the next stage of the competition, you will be withdrawn from the event and will not be eligible to continue.

In most cases, the next highest-placed competitor from the previous round (typically the runner-up) will be offered the opportunity to progress in your place. The final decision rests with the competition organisers.

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

Yes. You may include a brief quote from a poem or song if it is relevant to your research topic and supports your presentation.

However, poetry or song lyrics should be used sparingly and should not form a substantial part of your presentation. Your 3MT presentation must not be delivered as a poem or song, and the primary focus should remain on clearly communicating your research to a non-specialist audience.

No. You do not need to include your name, faculty, degree, or any other personal details on your 3MT slide.

The competition organisers will prepare a title slide for each candidate that includes your name, faculty, degree, and presentation title. This title slide will be displayed before your presentation begins, followed by your video and single static slide.

Yes. You may use a presentation title that differs from your thesis title if it helps communicate your research more effectively to a non-specialist audience.

As 3MT is designed to showcase research to a broad audience, you are encouraged to use clear, engaging, and accessible language. A presentation title that simplifies technical terminology or better reflects the focus of your presentation may help your audience understand and connect with your research.

You should ensure that your chosen title accurately represents your research and is appropriate for a professional academic competition.

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

Competitors who exceed three minutes will be disqualified and will not be eligible for judging.

There are no specific 3MT rules that prohibit the use of GenAI in the creation of the static slide. However, you should carefully consider the 3MT judging criteria when preparing your presentation.

Judges assess both communication and engagement, including how effectively the static slide supports and enhances the presentation. While GenAI-generated content may be used, you should ensure that the slide contributes meaningfully to the communication of your research and does not detract from the overall presentation.

You are also responsible for complying with any policies, guidelines, or expectations regarding AI use at your home institution. While 3MT does not impose specific restrictions on GenAI use, institutional requirements may apply.