2023 UQ 3MT Competition
2023 celebrates the 16th year of the Three Minute Thesis Competition (3MT) at The University of Queensland (UQ).
The format of the 2023 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.
Thank you to our sponsors and donors!
2023 UQ Key Dates
- NOW - Keep in touch - Like 3MT on Facebook and follow us on Twitter
- NOW - UQ Competitor Registration Opens
- Thursday 30 March (9:30am) - 3MT Information Session for HDR Candidates [view recording - zoom login required] [download slides]
- Monday 3 April (10:30am) - Presenting for the 3MT - [CDF - St Lucia Campus]
- Friday 28 April - Date/time/school/institute/faculty 3MT due to 3MT@uq.edu.au (Event Coordinator)
- May - July - All School/Institute/Faculty 3MT Competitions held
- Friday 28 July - Faculty/combined Institute winners due to 3MT@uq.edu.au (Event Coordinator)
- Wednesday 9 August - Wildcard 3MT Competition
- Wednesday 6 September - UQ 3MT Final (St Lucia Campus)
- Wednesday 18 October - Virtual Asia-Pacific 3MT Final
School / Institute 3MT Competitions
To register as a competitor for the 2023 UQ 3MT Competition you will need to complete the Competitor Registration form.
Your HLO/3MT Event Coordinator will contact you to confirm your participation and provide additional details about your schools 3MT competition. Please contact your School/Institute's HLO if you have any questions about participating in 3MT.
The School/Institute/Faculty heats for the UQ 3MT Competition are listed below:
School / Institute | Date | Time | Location | Event Information |
---|---|---|---|---|
Australian Centre for Water and Environmental Biotechnology (ACWEB) | Fri 30 June | 2pm - 4pm | Building 69, Room 110 | |
Australian Institute for Bioengineering & Nanotechnology (AIBN) | Thurs 29 June | 11am - 12:30pm | AIBN (75), Level 1 Seminar Room | |
Business School | Mon 29 May | 2pm - 4pm | Sir Llew Edwards (14), Room 116 | Combined event with School of Economics and School of Law. |
Centre for Advanced Imaging (CAI) | ||||
Faculty of Medicine: Heat 1 (Mater) | Wed 14 June | 2pm - 4pm | Tri Auditorium | |
Faculty of Medicine: Heat 2 (TRI) | Wed 21 June | 11am - 1pm | Tri Auditorium | |
Faculty of Medicine: Heat 3 (Herston) | Thurs 22 June | 12pm - 2pm | 0883-4401 - Oral Health Centre, Learning Theatre | |
Faculty of Medicine: Heat 4 (St Lucia) | Fri 23 June | 12pm - 2pm | 63-360 - Physiology Building, Learning Theatre | |
Institute for Molecular Bioscience (IMB) | Tues 23 May | 1pm-2:30pm | QBP Seminar Room Large 3.142 | |
Institute for Social Science Research (ISSR) | Tues 30 May | 1pm - 3pm | Forgan Smith (1), Room E302 | Is part of the HASS 3MT Faculty Combined Heats Event. Audience registration here. |
QLD Alliance for Agriculture & Food Innovation (QAAFI) | Wed 24 May | 11am - 12:30pm | QBP Seminar Room Large 3.142 | |
QLD Brain Institute (QBI) | Fri 30 June | 11am - 1pm | QBI Auditorium (79-701) | Audience registration here |
School of Agriculture and Food Sciences (St Lucia) | Tues 23 May | 9am - 10:30am | QBP Seminar Room Large 3.142 | |
School of Agriculture and Food Sciences (Gatton) | Tues 30 May | 11:30am - 12:30pm | Gatton - Room 8150-153 | Audience registration here |
School of Architecture | - | - | - | Event cancelled. |
School of Biological Sciences | Wed 24 May | 1pm - 2:30pm | QBP Seminar Room Large 3.142 | |
School of Chemical Engineering | Wed 14 June | 10am - 12pm | Parnell (07), Room 222 | |
School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences | Tues 23 May | 11am - 12:30pm | QBP Seminar Room Large 3.142 | |
School of Civil Engineering | Wed 14 June | 2pm - 3pm | Parnell (07), Room 222 | |
School of Communication and Arts | Tues 30 May | 1pm - 3pm | Forgan Smith (1), Room E302 | Is part of the HASS 3MT Faculty Combined Heats Event. Audience registration here. |
School of Dentistry | Tues 6 June | 10:30am | Oral Health Centre, Seminar Room 0883-4311 | |
School of Earth and Environmental Sciences | Tues 23 May | 2:30pm - 4pm | QBP Seminar Room Large 3.142 | |
School of Economics | Mon 29 May | 2pm - 4pm | Sir Llew Edwards (14), Room 116 | Combined event with Business School and School of Law. |
School of Education | Tues 30 May | 1pm - 3pm | Forgan Smith (1), Room E302 | Is part of the HASS 3MT Faculty Combined Heats Event. Audience registration here. |
School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences | ||||
School of Historical and Philosophical Inquiry | Tues 30 May | 1pm - 3pm | Forgan Smith (1), Room E302 | Is part of the HASS 3MT Faculty Combined Heats Event. Audience registration here. |
School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences | Tues 20 June | 9am | HMNS Building (26B), Room 219 | |
School of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering (ITEE) | Wed 21 June | 1pm - 2pm | Andrew Liveris Bldg (46), Room 443 | |
School of Languages and Cultures | Tues 30 May | 1pm - 3pm | Forgan Smith (1), Room E302 | Is part of the HASS 3MT Faculty Combined Heats Event. Audience registration here. |
School of Law | Mon 29 May | 2pm - 4pm | Sir Llew Edwards (14), Room 116 | Combined event with Business School and School of Economics. |
School of Mathematics and Physics | Wed 24 May | 2:30pm - 4pm | QBP Seminar Room Large 3.142 | |
School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering | Fri 23 June | 2pm - 3:30pm | Learning Theatre 222 in Parnell Building (07) | |
School of Music | Tues 30 May | 1pm - 3pm | Forgan Smith (1), Room E302 | Is part of the HASS 3MT Faculty Combined Heats Event. Audience registration here. |
School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work | Thurs 1 June | 1:30pm | Rm 112, Chamberlain (35) | |
School of Pharmacy (+ QAEHS) | Tues 27 June | 9:30am | PACE, 0870-5061 Learning Theatre | Competitor registration closes 18 June. |
School of Political Science and International Studies | Tues 30 May | 1pm - 3pm | Forgan Smith (1), Room E302 | Is part of the HASS 3MT Faculty Combined Heats Event. Audience registration here. |
School of Psychology | Thurs 1 June | 10am | McElwain Building (24A), Rooms 201-204 | Audience registration closes Sun 29 May |
School of Social Science | Tues 30 May | 1pm - 3pm | Forgan Smith (1), Room E302 | Is part of the HASS 3MT Faculty Combined Heats Event. Audience registration here. |
School of Veterinary Science | Tues 30 May | 10am - 11am | Gatton - Room 8150-153 | Audience registration here |
Sustainable Minerals Institute (SMI) | Wed 19 July | 11:15am - 12:30pm | Sir James Foots Building (47A), 47A-470 Seminar Room |
Faculty / All Institute 3MT Finals
Faculty / All Institute | Date | Time | Location | Event Information |
---|---|---|---|---|
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences | Tues 25 July | 11am - 1pm | Sir Llew Edwards (14), Level 6, Terrace Room | Audience registration here |
Faculty of Business, Economics and Law | Tues 27 June | 1:30pm - 2:30pm | Sir Llew Edwards (14), Level 6, Terrace Room | Audience registration here |
Faculty of Science | Thurs 15 June | 9am - 11am | Steele Building (3), Lecture Theatre 206 | Audience registration here |
Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences | Thurs 13 July | 1:30pm - 3pm | Sir Llew Edwards (14), Level 6, Terrace Room | Registration link coming soon |
Faculty of Medicine | Mon 24 July | 12:30pm - 1:30pm | Tri Auditorium | Audience registration here |
Faculty of Engineering, Architecture & Information Technology | Wed 12 July | 10:15am for a 10:30am start - 12pm | GHD Auditorium in the Advanced Engineering Building (49-200 ) | Audience registration here |
All Institutes | Tues 25 July | 9:30am - 11am | QBP Seminar Room 3.142 |
UQ 3MT Wildcard Competition - August
The 2023 UQ 3MT Wildcard Competition will be held on Wednesday 9 August and will bring together the People's Choice winners, representing each of UQ's 6 Faculties and Combined-Institute 3MT Final competitions. The winner of this event will advance to the UQ 3MT Final as the Wildcard entrant.
Wildcard 3MT Competition
Date: Wednesday 9 August 2023
Competition: 1:45pm guest registration for a 2:00pm start, competition concludes at 3:00pm
Location: Terrace Room, Level 6, Sir Llew Edwards Building (14) St Lucia Campus, Brisbane QLD 4072, Australia
UQ 3MT Final - September
The 2023 UQ 3MT Final will be held on Wednesday 6 September 2023 and will bring together the 8 finalists, representing each of UQ's 6 Faculties, the winner of the Combined-Institute competition and a Wildcard entrant.
UQ 3MT Final
Date: Wednesday 6 September 2023
Competition: 5:15pm arrival for a 5:30pm start
Location: GHD Auditorium in the Advanced Engineering Building (49-200 ), St Lucia Campus, Brisbane QLD 4072, Australia
Competitor Registration and Process - UQ Competitors
To register as a competitor for the 2023 3MT Competition please complete the Competitor Registration Form.
Your HLO/3MT Event Coordinator will contact you to confirm your participation and provide additional details about your schools 3MT competition.
The format of the 2023 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.
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 2023 UQ 3MT Competition HDR candidates will need to complete the Competitor Registration Form.
- HLO/3MT Event Coordinator to provide instructions to competitors regarding their competition heat.
- Competitors to prepare their 3MT presentations.
- Competitors to email the following to their HLO/3MT Event Coordinator for consideration in their School/Institute/Faculty 3MT competition:
- Personal details;
- 3MT PowerPoint slide.
- School/Institute/Faculty to promote their 3MT competitions.
- School/Institute/Faculty HLO/3MT Event Coordinator to email event materials and 3MT PowerPoint slides to judging panel.
- Post Faculty Finals, HLO/3MT Event Coordinators to provide 3MT with:
- Personal details; and
- 3MT PowerPoint slide.
3MT HDR Candidate Information Session
Please find below the 3MT HDR Candidate Information session recording link and presentation slides.
- 3MT HDR Candidate Information Session 2023 - recording (please log into Zoom to view the recording)
- 3MT HDR Candidate Information Session 2023 (PDF, 473.5 KB) - slides
Eligibility + Progression - UQ Competitors
Eligibility
Active PhD and Professional Doctorate (Research) candidates who have successfully passed their confirmation milestone (including candidates whose thesis is under submission) by the date of their first presentation are eligible to participate in 3MT competitions at all levels, including the Asia-Pacific 3MT competition. Graduates are not eligible.
Please note: MPhil and pre-confirmation PhD candidates who are active in program are still eligible to participate in the UQ 3MT competition up to Faculty/Institute finals but cannot advance to the UQ 3MT Final.
The format of the 2023 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.
Progression
In order to take part in the 2023 UQ 3MT Competition each participating school, institute and faculty will hold its own live in-person 3MT competition to select a winner.
The winner of each heat or final is expected to represent their school/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 in their place.
The format of the 2023 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.
Preparation + Rules - UQ Competitors
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
- 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.
The format of the 2023 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.
Judging Criteria
At every level of the competition each competitor will be assessed on the judging criteria listed below. Each criterion is equally weighted and has an emphasis on audience.
- Comprehension and Content - Revised
- Presentation provided clear background and significance to the research question;
- Presentation provided clear positionality of the presenter to the research and research approach*;
- 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.
*Positionality is the social and political context that creates your identity in terms of race, class, gender, sexuality, and ability status. Positionality also describes how your identity influences, and potentially biases, your understanding of and outlook on the world.
The format of the 2023 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.
Prizes
Prizes are an important incentive for HDR candidates entering the competition. Prizes can vary at the discretion of your School or Faculty.
School/Institute Heats
- School/Institutes are welcome to provide prizes to participants
Faculty/Combined Institute Final
- School/Institutes are welcome to provide prizes to participants
- Winner progresses to UQ Final
- People’s Choice progresses to Wildcard Competition
Wildcard Competition
- No prize is provided for this event
- Winner advances to UQ 3MT Final
UQ 3MT Final
- First Prize: $5000 research grant
- Runner-Up: $2000 research grant
- People’s Choice: $1000 research grant
- Winner represents UQ at Virtual Asia-Pacific 3MT Final
- Winner represents UQ at Virtual U21 3MT Competition
Asia-Pacific 3MT Final
- First Prize: $5000 research grant
- Runner-Up: $2000 research grant
- People’s Choice: $1000 research grant
Past UQ Finalists
Past UQ 3MT finalists can be viewed here.