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 next 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.
2025-26 Competition Winners
Nine students competed in the 2025-26 Three Minute Thesis® final competition on February 20, 2026. These three students took home the top prizes. Click on the title of each student’s talk to watch the recording.
First Place: Sahitha Karapitiya
Master’s student in Biological Systems Engineering
Talk: “Mitigating heat stress in dairy cattle”
Second Place and People’s Choice Award: Caroline Roach
PhD student in Pharmaceutical Sciences
Talk: “Bending Over Backwards to Inhibit Chikungunya Virus”
Third Place: Ebony Taylor
PhD student in Entomology
Talk: “The Tiniest Mightiest Mangrove Patch: Using Insects to Measure Coastal Forest Health”
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 March 25-27 in Kansas City.
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 motivation, background, and significance to the research question
- 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
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.
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.