Summary About the competition threeminutethesis.org Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) is a research communication competition developed by The University of Queensland (UQ). Graduate students have three minutes to present a compelling oration on their thesis and its significance. 3MT is not an exercise in trivializing or "dumbing down" research, but challenges students to consolidate their ideas and research discoveries so they can be presented concisely to a non‐specialist audience. Rules 
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threeminutethesis.org/rules‐judging‐criteria 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 (eg. 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. Once a student begins his or her presentation, the clock will begin to run. With 30 seconds to go, the timekeeper will hold up a sign. A bell will chime at the end of the three minute period. If a competitor continues to speak after the bell chimes, he or she will be disqualified from the competition. Competitors will be judged by a panel of for judges on the criteria listed below. Each judge will score competitors on a scale of 1 to 10 in each of the categories. Once presentations are over, the judges’ scores will be combined and the student with the highest points tally will be declared the winner. Additionally, the audience will cast their own ballots to select a winner for the People’s Choice Award. The winner and runner‐up are both eligible for the People’s Choice Award as well as the other contestants. Winner will be recognized by a certificate and a monetary prize as listed below: Winner Runner‐up People’s Choice Monetary Prize $300 $150 $150 Judging Criteria threeminutethesis.org/rules‐judging‐criteria At every level of the competition, each competitor will be judged on the three judging criteria listed below. Each criterion is equally weighted and has an emphasis on audience. Comprehension 
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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? Engagement 
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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? Communication 
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Was the thesis topic, key results and 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 speaker have sufficient stage presence, eye contact and vocal range; maintain a steady pace; and have a confident stance? Did the presenter spend adequate time on each element of their presentation ‐ or did they elaborate too long on one aspect or was the presentation rushed? Did the PowerPoint slide enhance the presentation ‐ was it clear, legible and concise? Eligibility Anyone who is a current student in a master’s degree program involving a thesis experience will be eligible to participate in 3MT. Graduates are not eligible. Master’s students enrolled in a non‐thesis program are not eligible to compete. Students enrolled in PhD programs and working on a dissertation are not eligible. Resources Resources for students 
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How to talk about your thesis in 3 minutes: prezi.com/jwhwyydfzqxo/how‐to‐talk‐about‐your‐
thesis‐in‐3‐minutes/ Winning presentations from around the world: threeminutethesis.org/3mt‐showcase Application Process To apply send your name, the name of your mentor, the title of your thesis, anticipated graduation date, and an abstract of your thesis (200 word limit) to deannacobb@southalabama.edu. by Feb. 14, 2014. You will be notified within a few days of the status of your selection for the competition. There is a possibility that more students may apply for the competition than can be accommodated in a competition with a reasonable length. In such a case ten finalists will be chosen by the panel of judges to present their Three Minute Thesis. This choice will be based on three factors: (1) Clarity of abstract to a non‐specialist audience, (2) possible broad impact of thesis work, and (3) diversity in representation of USA colleges and schools.