3MT is an international research communication competition in which graduate students explain their research to a general audience. Students in research-based master’s and PhD programs from all disciplines are eligible to compete, and prizes will be awarded to the winners.
Can you explain your research in 3 minutes? Find out by participating in UW–Madison’s 2024-25 3MT competition! As you hone communication skills, you will be better able to expand the benefits of your research beyond the bounds of the university and convey the significance of your work to potential funders, legislators, the media, and more.
3MT Winners 2024-25
Eight students competed in the 2024-25 Three Minute Thesis® final competition on February 14, 2025. Click on the title of each student’s talk to view their presentation.
First Place: Jessamine Kuehn
PhD student in Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology
“Mind your Gut: Gifts from your Gut Microbes to fight Alzheimer’s Disease”
Second Place: David Skrovanek
PhD student in Electrical and Computer Engineering
Third Place: Ella Aldridge
MS student in Communication Sciences and Disorders
People’s Choice Award: Trinidad Fernandez Wallace
MS student in Dairy Science
“Understanding and Supporting Immune Function in Dairy Cows During the Transition Period”
What to expect when you compete in the 3MT:
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Three Minute Thesis finalist Raphaëlle David chats with fellow finalist David Skrovanek at the UW–Madison Three Minute Thesis competition on February 14, 2025. Photo by Todd Brown/Media Solutions. Preparation (4 to 7 hours)
- Read the rules, requirements, and judging criteria
- Browse the resources in the Canvas site, which you’ll receive access to after registering
- View example presentations
- Attend or watch the video of the the Writing Center workshop “You’re Researching What? Crafting a 3-Minute Research Talk that Appeals to the Public” – available in Canvas (optional but encouraged)
- Meet with a DesignLab consultant (optional but encouraged)
- Create your slide, develop your presentation, and practice
- Competition (2 to 5 hours)
- Divisional semi-finals
- Finals
Additionally, the winner of the finals will travel to represent UW–Madison at the Midwest Association of Graduate Schools (MAGS) regional 3MT® competition in Indianapolis, Indiana, April 2 – 4, 2025.
For Competitors
- 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) is permitted.
- No additional props (e.g. costumes, musical instruments, laboratory equipment) are permitted.
- Presentations are limited to three minutes maximum and competitors exceeding three minutes are disqualified.
- Presentations are to be spoken word (e.g. 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 judging panel is final.
At every level of the competition, each competitor will be assessed on the judging criteria listed below. Each criterion is equally weighted.
Comprehension and content
- Presentation provided clear background and significance to the research question
- Presentation provided clear positionality* of the presenter to the research and research approach
- Presentation clearly described the research strategy/design and the results/findings of the research
- Presentation clearly described the conclusions, outcomes and impact of the research
*Positionality is the social and political context that creates your identity in terms of race, class, gender, sexuality, and ability status. Positionality also describes how your identity influences, and potentially biases, your understanding of and outlook on the world.
Engagement and communication
- The oration was delivered clearly, and the language was appropriate for a non-specialist audience
- The PowerPoint slide was well-defined and enhanced the presentation
- The presenter conveyed enthusiasm for their research and captured and maintained the audience’s attention
Semi-Final Winners: $100 each
Finals:
- First place: $1,000
- Second place: $750
- Third place: $500
- People’s choice: $500
3MT Communication Badge
Graduate students participating in the 3MT® competition are eligible to earn the UW–Madison Graduate School’s 3MT Communication Badge.
Why earn a digital badge?
A badge demonstrates that you have gone above and beyond academic requirements to acquire specialized knowledge or expertise in a particular area. Badges serve as a visual representation of accomplishments, can enhance your resume or curriculum vitae, and showcase your achievements to prospective employers. Digital badges are easily shareable on social media, personal websites, and professional profiles.
How do I earn the 3MT® Communication Badge?
All semi-finals participants will be evaluated by competition judges on their ability to adapt messages to meet the needs of diverse audiences, create graphics as a communication tool that enhances the message, and demonstrate competence in presentation skills. If judges determine that all of these learning objectives have been met, you will be eligible to earn the badge at no cost to you. Decisions about earning the badge are separate from the judges’ decisions about which competitors advance to finals. The Graduate School will provide additional information about badges.
Sponsors
The Three Minute Thesis® Final Competition is presented by The Madison Chapter of Graduate Women in Science (GWIS) and the Graduate School Office of Professional Development.
Sponsorship and judging are provided by BioForward, Elephas, Promega, Stem Pharm, Thermo Fisher, the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, Science is Fun, and various individuals at UW–Madison.
The Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) is an academic research communication competition developed by The University of Queensland (UQ), Australia. Learn more about the 3MT® at threeminutethesis.uq.edu.au.