Three Minute Thesis (3MT) is a research communication event founded by the University of Queensland in 2008. The event challenges master’s and doctoral students to present a compelling oration on their thesis or dissertation research and its significance to a general audience in just three minutes. IU Bloomington, which hosts its annual 3MT each spring, joins over 900 universities worldwide that host local 3MT events.
Though 3MT does involve a competitive element, all doctoral and master’s students from thesis-bearing programs are encouraged to participate to develop important communication skills, practice presenting research to a general audience, and celebrate their research in the broader IU community.
2025 eligibility and dates
Current IUB master’s and doctoral students are eligible to participate. Presentations must be based on thesis or dissertation research or, in the case of non-thesis master’s students, a culminating research project required by the student's program of study. Graduate students may only participate once per program of study.
Important Dates
For the 2025 Three Minute Thesis event, participants must complete an application form and share a Kaltura recording of their 3MT presentation (see below for specific instructions). 8 Finalists will be selected from these recordings to present at the LIVE Final Event.
January 31st, 2025, 5 p.m. ET: Deadline for participants to complete the application form and share a link to their Kaltura recording.
February 28, 2025: Attend the live 3MT Final Event hosted by IU Innovates in the Von Lee building, 517 E Kirkwood Ave. We invite you to enjoy refreshments while watching the finalist presentations. The event will be free and open to the public, but will require registration (further details forthcoming).
Awards
All 8 Finalists will receive $300 for advancing to the Final Competition
Finalists will compete for 3 additional prizes:
Winner - $1,000
Runner-up - $750
People's Choice - $500
Follow
Use #Hoosier3MT to follow IUB’s 3MT competition on social media.
A single, static PowerPoint slide is required. No slide transitions or animations are permitted. The slide will be visible throughout the student’s presentation. Examples of presentation slides will be provided to registrants.
Students are allowed a single index 3x5” index card for notes, though they are encouraged to present without.
No additional electronic media (e.g., sound or video files) are permitted.
No additional props (e.g., costumes, musical instruments, laboratory equipment, pointers) are permitted.
Presentations must be held within the three-minute time limit to remain in qualification.
Presentations are to be spoken word (e.g., no poems, rapping, songs, etc.).
We require that participants use Kaltura to record presentations for the preliminary round. Kaltura recordings can be shared with friends, colleagues, and advisors for feedback.
Resources for using Kaltura to record your 3 Minute Thesis presentation:
Brandi Smith, Director of Career Coaching in the University Graduate School, will be hosting three 3MT Primer events in January, 2025. These events will allow participants to formulate, refine, and practice their 3MT submissions.
Tuesday, Jan 21, 2025 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Monday, Jan 27, 2025 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Tuesday, Jan 28, 2025 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
All 3MT Primer events will take place in the Hoosier Room of the IMU.
Comprehension and content
Did the presentation provide an understanding of the background to the research question being addressed and its significance?
Did the presentation clearly describe the key results of the research, including conclusions and outcomes?
Did the presentation follow a clear and logical sequence?
Was the thesis topic, key results, research significance, and outcomes communicated in language appropriate to a non-specialist audience?
Did the speaker avoid scientific jargon, explain terminology, and provide adequate background information to illustrate points?
Did the presenter spend adequate time on each element of their presentation - or did they elaborate for too long on one aspect, or was the presentation rushed?
Engagement and communication
Did the oration make the audience want to know more?
Was the presenter careful not to trivialize or generalize their research?
Did the presenter convey enthusiasm for their research?
Did the presenter capture and maintain their audience's attention?
Did the speaker have sufficient stage presence, eye contact, and vocal range, maintain a steady pace, and have a confident stance?
Did the PowerPoint slide enhance the presentation—was it clear, legible, and concise?
Students can request an appointment with a career coach via Handshake. Questions about 3MT may be directed to Trevor Verrot.
By entering the IUB event, students agree to participate in the MAGS regional competition if selected. In the event the first-place presenter is unable to compete at MAGS, the runner-up will be nominated to participate.
Previous 3MT winners
Congratulations to the winners of our Indiana University Bloomington Three Minute Thesis competition!
1st Place: Austin R. Medlin, (T)rauma vs. (t)rauma: Impact of differential early life traumatic stress magnitude on CVD risk, Epidemiology & Biostatistics
2nd Place: Katherine I. Barrus, Police Understanding and Perception of African American English, Criminal Justice
3rd Place: Priyamvada Modak, Contactless Delivery of Stimulation to Deep Brain Neurons in Humans, Psychological and Brain Sciences
