Three Minute Thesis (3MT)
2023 3MT ANNOUNCEMENT!
We are excited to announce our second annual Three-Minute Thesis (3MT) Brandeis Competition! Win up to $1000 for effectively communicating your research in 3 minutes to a broad audience.
In Spring 2023, Brandeis will be hosting the three-minute dissertation competition. This is a competition designed to showcase graduate student research in three minutes using one slide with the idea of appealing to a general audience. This competition is open to all graduate students who are working on a thesis/dissertation for the sciences, social sciences, and humanities/arts.
In Spring 2023, Brandeis will be hosting the three-minute dissertation competition. This is a competition designed to showcase graduate student research in three minutes using one slide with the idea of appealing to a general audience. This competition is open to all graduate students who are working on a thesis/dissertation for the sciences, social sciences, and humanities/arts.
Register for the 2023 competition here! The deadline to register is February 15.
Dates:
- Information Session: January 24, 11am - 12pm
- Registration Deadline: February 15
- Final Presentation Deadline: March 25
- 3MT Competition Preliminary Round #1: March 28, 4-6 PM in Gzang123 (Gerstenzang Science Library)
- 3MT Competition Preliminary Round #2: March 29, 4-6 PM in Gzang123 (Gerstenzang Science Library)
- 3MT Competition Preliminary Round #3: March 30, 4-6 PM in Gzang123 (Gerstenzang Science Library)
- 3MT Competition Final Round: April 4, 4-6 PM in the Carl J. Shapiro Theater (SCC)
Prizes
- Three First Place $1000 prizes
- Three $500 Runner-Up prizes,
- One $500 People's Choice prize.
These prizes will be distributed among three different categories: Social Sciences, Humanities and STEM.
Rules
- Describe your research in under 3 minutes to a panel of judges while using only one slide.
- 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) 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 and presented in a formal but engaging lecture-style presentation.
- 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 adjudicating panel is final.
Judging Criteria
The following criteria will guide the judges decisions:
Comprehension & Content
- Did the presentation provide an understanding of the background and significance to the research question being addressed, while explaining terminology and avoiding jargon?
- Did the presentation clearly describe the impact and/or results of the research, including conclusions and outcomes?
- Did the presentation follow a clear and logical sequence?
- Was the thesis topic, research significance, results/impact and outcomes communicated in language appropriate to a non-specialist audience
- Did the presenter spend adequate time on each element of their presentation - or did they elaborate for too long on one aspect or was the presentation rushed?
Engagement & Communication
- Did the oration make the audience want to know more?
- Was the presenter careful not to trivialize or generalize their research?
- Did the presenter convey enthusiasm for their research?
- Did the presenter capture and maintain their audience's attention?
- Did the speaker have sufficient stage presence, eye contact and vocal range; maintain a steady pace, and have a confident stance?
- Did the PowerPoint slide enhance the presentation - was it clear, legible, and concise?