Can You Present Your Research in Just Three Minutes?: UW's 3MT Competition

 

What Is 3MT? 

Explaining research in simple terms can be challenging, but what if you had to do it in just three minutes? That's precisely what the Three-Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition is about. Initially developed by The University of Queensland (UQ) in 2008, 3MT has become a global event that helps graduate students communicate their research in a way that is clear, engaging and easy to understand. 

The challenge is simple but intense: students have just three minutes and one static slide to present their research, with no jargon, animations, or extra props. The goal is to make their work accessible and exciting for a general audience. 

For the first time, the University of Wyoming's School of Graduate Education, as part of the bigger agenda of creating Professional development opportunities for graduate students, is hosting its own 3MT competition. 3MT is an incredible opportunity for graduate students to refine their public speaking skills, connect with a broader audience and showcase their research. At the end of the event, the audience will also have the chance to vote for their favorite speaker in the People's Choice Award, making it an exciting and interactive experience for everyone involved.  

 

Why 3MT Matters at UW 

At UW, research is about more than just making discoveries; it is about sharing knowledge in ways that inspire and inform others. The ability to clearly explain research is a skill that extends beyond the university setting. Whether students are preparing for job interviews, academic conferences, or industry networking events, effectively communicating complex ideas can make a huge difference in their careers. 

Participating in 3MT not only helps students gain confidence and sharpen their public speaking skills but also fosters interdisciplinary connections. It allows students from different fields to learn from one another and engage with the wider UW community, creating an exciting opportunity for collaboration and learning.  

 

How the Competition Works 

At UW, the Competition will be held in two stages. The first is college-level competitions being hosted throughout Spring 2025. The top students from each college-level competition will compete for the title of UW 3MT Champion at the University Finals happening in Fall 2025. The winners of the UW Finals will then move on to the regional Competition, where they will have a chance to qualify for the national Competition. 

The 3MT competition isn't just about the experience, it also comes with cash prizes and career-boosting recognition. At the college-level, students awarded first, second, third and people's choice will receive $200-$500! At the University Finals, those prizes increase to up to $1,000! 

Additionally, the UW 3MT Champion will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to the regional Competition in Denver, Co, ensuring they can compete at the next level. All participants who reach the university-level finals will also receive a certificate of recognition. 

Are you ready to take the challenge? Be sure to check out your college event below to learn more and sign up! 

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How to Prepare: Free Workshops & Support 

To ensure participants are well-prepared, the School of Graduate Education offers free workshops led by expert faculty and communication specialists. These workshops provide valuable feedback and hands-on training to help participants deliver a compelling three-minute presentation, giving them the confidence they need to succeed. 

You can check out these and other upcoming graduate student professional development opportunities on the graduate student calendar.  In addition to these workshops, students can also book appointments with Professor Sandy Hsu at the Oral Communication Center for 1-on-1 coaching. Don't hesitate to contact the School of Graduate Education for further questions.

 

Why You Should Attend 

Even if you are not competing, 3MT is an event worth experiencing. It is a unique opportunity to hear about groundbreaking research from UW graduate students in a fast, engaging and easy-to-understand format. 

As an audience member, you will actively vote for the People's Choice Award, making the Competition even more exciting. Whether you are a faculty member, fellow student, or community member, this is a chance to support UW's top graduate researchers and learn something new in just minutes. Plus, it's a great opportunity to network and connect with other members of the UW community. 

With the Competition approaching, now is the time to get involved! Whether you want to compete, attend, or support your peers, this is your chance to be part of an exciting milestone at UW. Get ready to see research come to life, one three-minute talk at a time!