About Three Minute Thesis

What is 3MT?

A research communication competition developed by the University of Queensland, 3MT challenges Ph.D. students to present a compelling oration on their thesis and its significance in just three minutes—and in language appropriate to a non-specialist audience.

3MT is not an exercise in trivializing or “dumbing down” research, but an opportunity for students to consolidate their ideas, their motivation and their research discoveries so they can be presented to a wider audience.

3MT History

The first 3MT competition was held at the University of Queensland in 2008 with 160 students. Enthusiasm for the 3MT concept grew quickly and institutions around the world began holding competitions. Forty-four institutions in Australia and New Zealand came together in 2013 to participate in the first Trans-Tasman 3MT Competition. The event also hosted special guests from Fiji and Hong Kong.

Also in 2013 the inaugural international U21 competition matched 17 finalists from five continents for an online contest. University of Maryland’s Amy Marquardt won first place honors as well as the People’s Choice award.

In the spring of 2014, the WSU College of Education hosted the first 3MT event at the University.

In March 2015, WSU hosted the first university-wide 3MT competition in Pullman. Winners from the six college semi-finals competed for the WSU championship.

Questions?

Contact the Office of the Dean at 509-335-4581.