Three Minute Thesis

2023 3MT Competition

An 80,000 word thesis would take 9 hours to present. Their time limit...3 minutes
3MT - Three Minute Thesis - Founded by the University of Queensland logo

 The Three Minute Thesis (3MT™) is a research communication competition developed by The University of Queensland.

The exercise develops academic, presentation, and research communication skills and supports the development of students’ capacities to effectively explain their research in language appropriate to an intelligent but non-specialist audience.

Master’s and Doctoral students have three minutes to present a compelling oration on their thesis or dissertation topic and its significance. 3MT™ is not an exercise in trivializing or ‘dumbing-down’ research but forces students to consolidate their ideas and crystallize their research discoveries.

Registration Form

3MT Competition Registration and Dates

  • 3MT Deadline: March 27th
  • Slide Submission Deadline: April 1st
  • Location: HS 1103 - Prillaman Health Sciences Building

Eligibility

  • Currently enrolled master's and doctoral students at Kennesaw State University will be eligible to participate.
  • Students that have already graduated are not eligible.
  • Students should have key results in their presentation; thesis or dissertation should be mostly complete.
  • Two levels of judging:
    • Dissertation Students
    • Thesis Students
  • Communication style: was the thesis topic and its significance communicated in language appropriate to an intelligent but non-specialist audience? did the presentation clearly describe the key results of the research including conclusions and outcomes? did the presentation follow a clear and logical sequence?
  • Comprehension: did the presentation help the audience understand the research? did the speaker avoid scientific jargon, explain terminology and provide adequate background information to illustrate points?
  • Engagement: did the presentation make the audience want to know more? Did the presenter convey enthusiasm for their research? Did the presenter capture and maintain their audience's attention? Did the PowerPoint slide enhance the presentation? i.e was it clear, legible, and concise

Panel of Judges

  • Dr. Amy Buddie - Director of Undergraduate Research KSU
  • Ms. Mary-Kay Boler - Senior Director, Corporate & Foundation Relations - KSU
  • Tyler Reinagel Interim VP of Research KSU

Awards*

  • 1st Place  $1,000
  • 2nd Place  $750
  • Peoples Choice $350

    *Awards are subject to taxes.

  • A single static PowerPoint slid 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 (e.g. no poems, raps or songs)
  • Presentation are to commence from the stage.
  • Presentations are considered to have commenced when the presenter starts presentation through either movement or speech.
  • The decision of the adjudicating panel is final.

Kennesaw Campus:

  • Date/Time: January 19, 2023; from 3:00pm to 5:00pm
  • Location:  Academic Learning Center, Room 5500
                       480 Bartow Avenue, Kennesaw, GA 30144
Register: Kennesaw

Marietta Campus:

  • Date/Time: February 9, 2023; from 3:00pm to 5:00pm
  • Location:  Marietta Campus Atrium Rm J-381,
                       680 Arntson Drive, Marietta, GA 30060
Register : Marietta

Preparation Resources

Research Travel Award

Graduate students seeking to attend virtual or in-person professional conferences for the purpose of presenting papers and/or research during the academic year 2022/2023 are eligible for consideration for one award.

Application Process

Students who wish to apply must submit:

  • A completed Application sent to gradcollegeforms@kennesaw.edu
  • A one-page summary of research 
  • A statement on the benefits of attending the conference for successful completion of their graduate degree program
  • A copy of your conference acceptance letter
ksu student preparing to travel aboard studies

 

The Graduate College will award funds up to a maximum of $800.
The award will provide research funding for presenting original research at conferences. Please review the information below for the application process and determine eligibility, and ensure you submit all required documents at least 2 weeks prior to your conference. Requests later than 2 weeks prior to conferences may not be funded. Funds are available on a first come, first served basis.

Graduate students who apply for this award must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 credit hours or (be enrolled in thesis/dissertation hours) during the semester when the funds will be used. Graduate students who apply for a GCRT award must be in good academic standing (minimum GPA of 3.0) during the semester in which they are awarded and during the semester when the funds are used. Note that no more than two student authors on the project or presentation can be eligible to

Academic or Research Programs

  • Non-grant funded – Payment by KSU for student travel (not addressed above) is limited to travel related to academic and research competencies as defined by the graduate program.
  • Activities recommended by a graduate student’s mentor or thesis advisor, tied to academic and research competencies of the program as defined by the college’s student success metrics.

Students may only receive one GCRT award per academic year.

The following types of presentations will be considered for funding:

  • Research Paper or *Project Presentation
  • Fine Arts Performance or Pedagogy Presentation
  • Roundtable or Panel Discussion
  • Poster Presentation

Project presentation is meant for those disciplines that are not necessarily conducting or presenting research, but rather showcasing scholarly work.

Before You Travel

Please review the additional student travel resources below. Students will be required to meet University requirements prior to travel. Forms should be submitted to gradcollegeforms@kennesaw.edu

NOTE: GRAs/GTAs are employees of the University and approval of their travel is administered as such (although their travel is not processed through Concur).  Authorization and payment for non-employee student travel is limited.

After You Travel

Expenses should be submitted within 10 days of your trip completion, but no later than 45 days. Expenses submitted 60 days or more from the trip completion will be considered taxable income. Forms should be submitted to gradcollegeforms@kennesaw.edu.

CETL Graduate Student Professional Development