Three-Minute Thesis (3MT®) Competition

• A single static PowerPoint slide is permitted (no slide transitions, animations or “movement” of any description allowed). The slide is to remain in view for the duration of the oration.
• No additional electronic media (e.g., sound and/or video files) are permitted.
• No props (e.g., costumes, musical instruments, laboratory equipment, phones, etc.) are permitted.
• Presentations are limited to three minutes maximum; competitors exceeding three minutes are automatically disqualified. Participants will be able to see a countdown timer and be given a 30-second visual or audio warning.
• All presentations must be spoken (i.e., no poems, raps or songs).
• Presentations are considered commenced when a presenter starts the presentation through movement or speech.
• The decision of the judges is final.

• Students must be currently registered in a master's (thesis or major research paper) or PhD program. Students in course-based programs are not eligible.
• Students must have made substantial progress on their research and analysis and have dissertation/thesis/MRP proposal approval by competition date.
• PhD students in first year are not eligible.
• Presentations must be based on research directly related to the student’s current graduate program thesis/dissertation/major research paper (MRP).
• Presenters must agree to be videotaped (details on the registration form).
• The 3MT^® presentation must represent the current thesis research of the presenter.
• Presenters must be available to present, in person, on the day of the competition, and if successful, on the day of the Ontario 3MT^® Competition.
• Please refer to the Confidentiality and Intellectual Property Considerations on the registration form before applying to compete.

Please note:

• PhD and master's students who have defended but have not yet graduated are eligible.
• Competitors must be registered TMU graduate students at the time of the TMU 3MT^® Competition.
• Postdoctoral fellows can compete in the TMU 3MT^® Competition. However, due to Ontario and national rules, they are NOT eligible to compete in the Ontario and national competitions.
• Previous winners are not eligible.

Presentations are judged according to the following criteria, each of which is equally weighted.

Comprehension

• Did the presentation help the audience understand the research?
• Did the presenter clearly outline the nature and aims of the research?
• Do you know what is significant about this research?
• Did the presentation follow a logical sequence?

Engagement

• Did the oration make the audience want to know more?
• Was the presenter careful not to trivialize or “dumb down” their research?
• Did the presenter convey enthusiasm for their work?
• Did the presenter capture and maintain their audience’s attention?
• Would you like to know more about the speaker’s research?

Communication

• Was the thesis topic and its significance communicated in language appropriate to a non-specialist audience?
• Did the speaker use sufficient eye contact and vocal range, maintain a steady pace and have a confident stance?
• Did the speaker avoid scientific jargon, explain applicable terminology and provide adequate background information to illustrate points?
• Did the presenter spend the right amount of time on each element of their presentation? Or did they elaborate for too long, or were rushed?
• Did the PowerPoint slide enhance, rather than detract from, their presentation – was it clear, legible and concise?

Students must understand that the presentation of their research in the 3MT^® competition will be publicly accessible (i.e., in the public domain).

The presentation of the research will not affect any pre-existing rights prior to and following the competition except as stated below:

• Due to the nature of the competition, we will not ask judges, reviewers, staff or the audience to sign non-disclosure statements. If your research is being/has been conducted under contract with an outside sponsor, please discuss the related contractual terms of confidentiality and intellectual property with your supervisor(s) before participating in this competition.
• All public sessions of the competition, including but not limited to oral presentations, are open to the public at large. Any and all of these public sessions may be broadcast to interested persons through media, including the internet.
• Any data or information discussed or presented in public sessions should be considered “public.” If your research includes confidential or culturally sensitive material, we advise that you discuss your competition entry with your supervisor(s) before entering the 3MT^® competition.
• Toronto Metropolitan University and/or any other 3MT^® event-related person may take photographs, video and/or audio recordings of the presentations, or material prepared for use in presentation at the 3MT^® for promotional purposes and to support knowledge mobilization.

• Winner: $1000 
• Runner-up: $500
• Participants’ Choice Award: $250

The first-place winner will also have all expenses paid to travel to the Ontario 3MT^® Competition to represent Toronto Metropolitan University (April or May, 2025).

Please let us know if you require any accessibility accommodations to ensure your inclusion in this event.