Three-Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition
On March 31, 2021, the College of Graduate Studies and Research will host a virtual "Three-Minute Thesis" (3MT) Competition for students enrolled in graduate programs through Radford University, Radford University Carilion, and the Roanoke and Southwest Virginia Higher Education Centers.
The 3MT Competition gives graduate students a chance to share their research, discoveries, and insights with a non-specialist audience in a fun, fast-paced format. 3MT participants gain valuable practical experience and bring visibility to their work and field of study.
First developed by the University of Queensland in Australia over a decade ago, the 3MT Competition has since grown to include competitions at hundreds of universities worldwide. All 3MT Competitions follow the same guidelines: A three-minute talk aided by a single static PowerPoint slide; no embedded electronic media; and no props.
Because of the pandemic, the University of Queensland created guidelines governing virtual 3MT events. Participants in a virtual 3MT competition submit their talk as a one-take, pre-recorded video. Winners are then announced during an online ceremony held in real time.
Spring 2021 Competition and Awards Ceremony
The Spring 2021 3MT Competition will be conducted as an all-virtual event. Winners of the competition will be announced during an online ceremony, which will be held via Zoom Webinar on March 31, 2021 at 7 p.m. EDT. Everyone is invited to watch the online ceremony.
Spring 2021 Finalists
This year's competition features 18 graduate student finalists! Finalists were selected based on their completion of a rigorous application process.
The Graduate College welcomes you to learn more about the finalists and view their three-minute presentations online!
Judging and Awards
In advance of the awards ceremony, a panel of impartial judges will review and evaluate finalists' recorded presentations. Based on an established set of criteria, judges will award prizes in two categories: First Place ($500) and Runner Up ($300).
All finalists are also eligible for the People's Choice ($300) award. Radford University students, faculty, and staff can help choose the People's Choice winner. After watching the finalists' presentations, cast your vote online anytime between March 23 and March 30. (Please note: Balloting closes at 12:00 p.m. EDT.)
Accessibility
The College of Graduate Studies and Research is committed to facilitating an inclusive event. If you are a person with a disability who anticipates needing accommodations to participate meaningfully in the competition or awards ceremony, please contact the College of Graduate Studies and Research at cgsr@radford.edu.
Learn More
The following resources offer additional information about the 3MT Competition: