Eligibility
The competition challenges graduate students to deliver a compelling presentation of their project and its significance to a room of non-experts in just three minutes.
To participate in VIU's 3MT you must currently be registered in a graduate program at VIU. Students must not have graduated prior to the date of the competition final.
VIU's 3MT Finals will be held in person during CREATE 2025, on April 8. It is expected all the program finalists will be in attendance at the 3MT. The VIU winner needs to be able to attend the regional competition at the University of Victoria in May (date to be announced soon). This will be an in-person event with travel expenses covered.
Adjudication Criteria
Dates to Know
March 27: Programs to forward names of three students who will be their representatives at the VIU 3MT competition.
April 8: VIU 3MT Competition
May: Western Regional Competition hosted by the University of Victoria
National 3MT Showcase: At the CAGS Conference in the fall of 2025
Rules
- A single static PowerPoint slide is permitted (no slide transitions, animations or ‘movement’ of any description)
- No additional electronic media (e.g. sound and video files) are permitted
- No additional props (e.g. laser pointers, costumes, laboratory equipment or musical instruments) are permitted
- Presentations are limited to 3 minutes maximum.
- Presentations are to be spoken words (e.g. no poems, raps or songs)
- Presentations are considered to have commenced when the presenter starts their presentation through movement or speech
- The decision of the adjudicating panel is final
Resources
Handbook and Previous Finalists- this link will take you to the CAGS 3MT website, just scroll down a bit and you will see links to the videos. You can also just search for 'Three Minute Thesis' on YouTube and find all sorts of examples. But remember, your research and you are different - make sure your 3MT is too.
For those who like a list:
- Simon Clews (University of Melbourne) has prepared a helpful guide on preparing for the Three Minute Thesis Competition
- Jackie Amsden (Simon Fraser University) discusses how narrative frameworks can help grad students effectively tell their research story
- Matt Abrahams (Stanford University) provides Tips and Techniques for More Confident and Compelling Presentations
- Matt Abrahams (Stanford University) podcast Think Fast, Talk Smart: advice for impromptu speaking
- Anett Grant (Executive Speaking) addresses Six Pieces of Bad Speaking Advice That Just Won’t Die
- Inger Mewburn (RMIT University) developed How to Talk About Your Thesis in 3 Minutes
- Henry Miller (UT Health San Antonio) shares 11 Tips For The 3 Minute Thesis Competition
How to do a Three Minute Thesis (3MT) or Famelab | Don't make these mistakes! See link in box just below. Thanks to stemventurist! He says it is for PhD students in science, but the 3MT is actually for all grad students in all disciplines. Solid advice for all though. If you are not doing a scientific project just plug in your discipline when he says 'science'. No props for 3MT!
The second part on the 'performance' is there as well.
How to do a Three Minute Thesis (3MT) or Famelab | Don't make these mistakes!
Presentation tips for PhD's | Improve your Three Minute Thesis (3MT) or Famelab performance
Prizes
First Place
$1,000, VIU swag, and the opportunity to represent VIU at the Regional Championships in May.
Second Place
$500
People's Choice
$250