If you are interested in organising a 3MT competition for your School/Institute/University, below are some frequently asked questions that will help you get started.
Are there common reasons why research candidates may be hesitant to participate in 3MT?
Research candidates may have a range of reasons for choosing not to participate in 3MT. Common concerns include public speaking anxiety, a lack of confidence communicating research to a broad audience, perceived language barriers, or competing study, research, and personal commitments.
As 3MT is designed to support the development of research communication and presentation skills, Event Coordinators are encouraged to provide opportunities and resources that help candidates build confidence and prepare effectively. Examples include:
- Online resources: Direct candidates to the 3MT Competitor Guide and other resources available through the 3MT website. Videos of previous 3MT presentations can also provide useful examples and inspiration.
- Information sessions: Consider hosting introductory sessions for candidates and staff to explain the purpose, format, and benefits of 3MT. These may be complemented by workshops focused on presentation skills, storytelling, or communicating research to non-specialist audiences.
- Tailored support: Where possible, provide individual support, mentoring, coaching, or practice opportunities for candidates who are interested in participating but may require additional assistance or encouragement.
By creating a supportive environment and providing appropriate preparation opportunities, institutions can help increase participation and improve the competitor experience.
Can institutions change the name of the event?
No. The event should be referred to as the Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) or 3MT®. Institutions should not rename the competition or use alternative titles, as this may create confusion and dilute the consistency of the 3MT brand.
Event Coordinators should refer to the 3MT branding guidelines for further guidance on the correct use of the competition name and brand.
Can I modify the 3MT logo or develop my own 3MT logo for my local competition?
No. Only the official 3MT logo may be used in connection with 3MT competitions and related promotional materials. Institutions must not modify the logo or create alternative versions for local events.
The official 3MT logo is available in a range of file formats and is provided as part of the 3MT resource pack following approval to host a 3MT competition.
The University of Queensland has trademarked the 3MT logo. As such, the registered trademark symbol (®) must accompany the 3MT abbreviation and logo at all times.
Event Coordinators should also refer to the 3MT branding guidelines for further information on the appropriate use of the 3MT logo and brand.
Do institutions need to provide prizes of a certain value for their 3MT competition?
No. There is no prescribed minimum or maximum prize value for a 3MT competition. Institutions are encouraged to determine prize structures and values that are appropriate for their local context, budget, and competition format.
Guidance on prize categories and prize values can be found on the 3MT prizes and recongition webpage. These examples are provided for reference only, and institutions are free to develop prize structures that best suit their competition.
How can Event Coordinators minimise discipline bias in a 3MT competition?
Event Coordinators should take steps to ensure that the competition is inclusive and equitable for competitors from all research disciplines. This includes selecting a judging panel with diverse disciplinary backgrounds and ensuring that judges are appropriately briefed on the purpose, values, and judging criteria of 3MT.
Judges should be reminded that 3MT assesses a competitor’s ability to communicate their research to a non-specialist audience, rather than the perceived significance, complexity, or discipline of the research itself.
Where possible, Event Coordinators should also consider diversity in guest speakers, promotional activities, and prizes to ensure the competition reflects the breadth of research undertaken across the institution.
This is the first year our institution is hosting a 3MT competition. Where should we start?
Institutions wishing to host a 3MT competition must first obtain permission from The University of Queensland. This permission is required to use the 3MT name, branding, logo, and associated resources.
Once permission has been granted, Event Coordinators are encouraged to engage with their institution’s Graduate Research School (or equivalent area) to discuss resourcing, support, promotion, governance, and how the competition may align with existing research training or candidate development initiatives.
It is then recommended that institutions establish a competition timeline, secure an appropriate venue or delivery platform, and develop a promotion and engagement plan. With these foundations in place, Event Coordinators can begin working with faculties, schools, departments, or equivalent academic units to promote the competition and encourage candidate participation.
A range of resources and guidance materials are available from The University of Queensland to support institutions hosting a 3MT competition for the first time.
What event management and promotional resources are available?
A range of resources have been developed to assist Event Coordinators in planning, promoting, and delivering their 3MT competition. These resources are designed to support consistent branding and communication across participating institutions.
Event Coordinators at The University of Queensland can access resources via the UQ 3MT Competition webpage.
Event Coordinators from external institutions can access 3MT resources by registering their competition and obtaining permission to host a 3MT event.
What can competitors include on their 3MT presentation slide?
Competitors may use one single, static presentation slide during their 3MT presentation. The slide does not need to contain text, and many successful presentations rely primarily on images or other visual elements to support the communication of the research. Visual cues can be highly effective in helping the audience understand the presentation.
Slide transitions, animations, embedded videos, sound, or any other form of movement are not permitted. Event coordinators should ensure that all presentation slides comply with these requirements prior to the competition.
What happens if a competition winner does not meet the eligibility requirements to progress to the next stage?
Institutions may choose to permit candidates who do not meet the official 3MT eligibility requirements to participate in local rounds of their competition. However, competitors must meet the official eligibility requirements in order to progress to, and compete in, the Asia-Pacific 3MT Competition.
If a winning competitor is found not to meet the eligibility requirements for progression to the Asia-Pacific 3MT Competition, they will be ineligible to continue. In these circumstances, the host institution should nominate the next highest-placed eligible competitor, in accordance with its local competition rules and processes.
Can the 3MT be hosted in a language other than English?
Yes. Institutions may host the 3MT competition in any language. Where a language other than English is used, event coordinators should ensure that the competition format and rules remain consistent with the 3MT framework and that all branding and promotional materials adhere to the 3MT branding guidelines.
What is the Wildcard competition?
A Wildcard competition is an optional stage that some institutions choose to include as part of their 3MT competition structure. Typically, it provides an additional opportunity for high-performing competitors who did not progress directly to the next round (for example, runners-up from faculty or discipline-based finals) to compete for a place in a later stage of the competition.
The format, eligibility requirements, and progression arrangements for a Wildcard competition are determined by the host institution. Institutions are not required to include a Wildcard competition as part of their 3MT program.
Can competitors use Generative AI (GenAI) to create their 3MT slide?
The 3MT rules do not specifically prohibit the use of Generative AI (GenAI) tools in the creation of the single, static presentation slide. However, institutions may have their own policies, guidelines, or expectations regarding the use of AI, and competitors should be required to comply with these requirements.
When preparing a slide, competitors should also carefully consider the 3MT judging criteria. Judges assess both communication and engagement, including how effectively the slide supports and enhances the presentation. While GenAI-generated content may be used where permitted, the slide should contribute meaningfully to the communication of the research and not detract from the overall presentation.
Event coordinators may wish to provide guidance to competitors on any institution-specific requirements relating to the use of AI in academic or competition-related activities.