3MT was developed by the University of Queensland (UQ) and has spread to over 18 countries and 200 universities worldwide. UQ owns the rights to the program and branding of the logo while providing extensive resources to host local competitions. In the United States 3MT is fast growing and has expanded to regional competitions (e.g. Midwest Association of Graduate Schools) and potentially to a national competition at the annual Council of Graduate Schools meeting. UQ has expanded their Australian competition to the Asia-Pacific 3MT Competition to include Australia, New Zealand, and a select number of Asian institutions.

Three Minute Thesis (3MT) is a research communication competition that challenges presenters to describe their research topic and its significance in just 3 minutes to a general audience. 3MT seeks to enhance the profile of graduate students both within university communities and the wider community. 3MT develops academic, presentation, and research communication skills and supports the development of research students' capacity to effectively explain their research in language appropriate to a non-specialist audience. 3MT is not designed to trivialize or "dumb-down" research, but rather encourage students to consolidate their ideas and crystalize their research discoveries.

Students are allowed to use one static slide, and no additional transitions, animation, video, or props. Presentations are all spoken word, and exclude songs and theatrical performances.

• A single static PowerPoint slide is permitted. No slide transitions, animations or movement of any description; 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 (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 movement or speech.
• The decision of the judging panel is final.

Comprehension and content

• Did the presentation provide an understanding of the background to the research question being addressed and its significance?
• Did the presentation clearly describe the key results of the research including conclusions and outcomes?
• Did the presentation follow a clear and logical sequence?
• Was the thesis topic, key results and research significance and outcomes communicated in language appropriate to a non-specialist audience?
• Did the speaker avoid scientific jargon, explain terminology and provide adequate background information to illustrate points?
• 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 and communication

• Did the presentation 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?
• The decision of the judging panel is final.

Advice: https://melbourne-cshe.unimelb.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/1823538/Simon_Clews_2015_Guide_to_3MT.pdf

Examples: https://vimeo.com/album/4557713

MSS reserves the right not to award prizes, or to award 2^nd or 3^rd place prizes but no 1^st.