Three minute thesis

Why do it?

We are sure many of you have learned by now, it is always handy to be prepared when faced with the inevitable "so what is your thesis about?" questions from curious family and friends (who usually want the three-minute version, not the extended one). More particularly, you might get asked the same question in a future job interview!

The 3MT is an invaluable opportunity to practise your communication skills in a supportive environment and it gives you the chance to distil the essence of your research into a succinct and engaging sound bite. Overall, past participants have reported several benefits of participating in the 3MT competition including increased recognition of the research, more networking opportunities with peers, and positive impact on structuring their thesis.

In addition, participation in 3MT can be included in your Australian Higher Education Graduate Statement as an AHEGS-worthy training through your Individual Learning Plan. AHEGS is a standardised format for Australian Higher Education qualifications that enables the qualifications to be recognised and renowned throughout the world. You need your supervisor approval to add this competition to your ILP.

And of course, there will be some extremely generous prizes as mentioned above.

Who is eligible to enter?

Active PhD and Professional Doctorate (Research) candidates who have successfully passed their confirmation milestone (including candidates whose thesis is under submission) by the date of their first presentation are eligible to participate in 3MT competitions at all levels, including the Asia-Pacific 3MT competition. Graduates are not eligible.

Please Note:

• Competitors must be active PhD candidates and must have successfully completed confirmation of candidature.
• Previous first-place winners of the Deakin 3MT event are NOT eligible to enter again.
• Students enrolled in any of the following programs are not eligible to enter: Masters (MPhil and coursework) and Professional Doctorate (less than 2/3 research).

Prizes

There will be monetary prizes allocated to the winners of the 3MT competition, the first runner-up and the people's choice winner awarded by the audience.

Winner:  $3,000
First runner-up: $2,000
People's choice: $500

Judging criteria

At each stage of the competition each competitor will be assessed on the judging criteria listed below. Each criterion is equally weighted and has an emphasis on audience.

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.

How to enter

Entries are closed for 2026 however we would love you to  Register Your Interest: 2027 3MT and Reel Research Competitions.

The competition launched in March alongside the Engaged Researcher Program. The Engaged Researcher Program is a series of workshops and seminars designed to support development of core engagement capabilities that researchers will draw on throughout their careers.

Find out more  (Deakin only)

You must enter your Faculty heats to participate in the Deakin Finals. Please register your interest by contacting your Faculty.

• Health: health-hdr@deakin.edu.au
• SEBE including IFM, IISRI and A2I2:  sebe-hdr@deakin.edu.au
• Business and Law:  blresearch@deakin.edu.au
• Arts and Education: artsed-graduateresearch@deakin.edu.au

If you have any questions please contact the Researcher Development Academy team for details of the initial rounds of the 3MT competition in your area.