Three Minute Thesis Competition

Award Overview

Purpose

This competition is a unique opportunity for graduate students to showcase their innovative and significant research to a wider audience, across disciplines within the University, and to the broader public. It is open to the public and advertised within the community.

Canada 3MT Competition

The 3MT Canadian champion will be chosen from 11 finalists from three regional competitions. Both master’s and doctoral-level students are eligible. For more information, visit the Canada 3MT website.

Eligibility

Eligibility

  • Students must be registered in a graduate program at the time of the 3MT competition, and must have made some progress on their research and analysis.  All graduate students doing a major research study are encouraged to participate.
  • Master’s and PhD students who have defended, but have not yet convocated, are eligible to participate.
  • 3MT presentations must represent the primary research the student conducted in their graduate program.
  • Competitors must present in person and agree to be video-recorded and photographed. They must also allow those video-recordings and photographs to be made public.
  • Winner of the University of Toronto competition must be available to attend the provincial finals.

Rules

  • A single, static PowerPoint slide is permitted (no slide transitions, animations, or “movement” of any description are allowed), and the slide is to be presented from the beginning of the oration and remain in view for the duration 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 in standard oratory prose (i.e., no poems, raps or songs, other than those that may be the target of research).
  • Presentations are to commence from the stage or at the podium.
  • Presentations are considered to have commenced when a presenter starts their presentation through movement or speech.
  • The decision of the adjudicating panel is final.

Additional Info

Judging Criteria

Presentations will be assessed according to the criteria listed below. Please note that each criterion is equally weighted.

Commmunication

  • Did the presenter use language and terminology that was clear and understandable?
  • Was the pace of the talk effective?
  • Did the presenter use non-verbal communication (i.e. eye contact, voice modulation, body language, etc.) effectively?
  • Did the slide enhance, rather than detract from, the talk — was it clear, legible, and concise?

Comprehension

  • Did the talk help you to understand the scholarly research and creativity?
  • Did the presenter clearly outline the nature and purpose of the scholarly research and creativity?
  • Did the presenter clearly indicate what is interesting about the scholarly research and creativity?
  • Did the talk follow a logical sequence?

Engagement

  • Was the talk engaging?
  • Did the talk inspire you to want to know more?
  • Did the presenter convey enthusiasm for their work?
  • Did the presenter capture and maintain your attention?

Contacts & Resources

If you have questions about this award competition, please contact:

Kevin Chavez Laxamana
kevin.laxamana@utoronto.ca