3MT - University of Houston
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  • University of Houston 3-Minute Thesis Competition

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    A 3-minute thesis, or 3MT®, is a skill development activity that challenges graduate students to explain their research project to a non-specialist audience in just three minutes. Besides the time limitation, students are also limited to a single static PowerPoint slide with no additional electronic media or props. Participating in a 3MT® competition comes with various benefits. The competition cultivates students’ academic, presentation, and research communication skills. Additionally, students increase their capability to communicate their research to a non-specialized audience. This year’s event will be live and in person with preliminary and final rounds in the Student Center Theater.  The UH 3MT® competitor’s guide and 3MT® Examples are available to assist you in preparing for the 3MT competition.

    Finalists for the competition will be selected from a preliminary round which will be held on Friday, November 4 in the Student Center Theater.  The 3MT Finals will be held on Friday, November 18 in the Student Center Theater.  A reception & awards ceremony will immediately follow the competition.  All 3MT finalists will be eligible to receive scholarship awards ranging from $250 to $1000.  You must be present at the Awards ceremony to receive a scholarship award.

    Submission Criteria

      • The graduate student applicant should have research experience and results, the ability to communicate their research to a lay audience and should be a registered graduate student (masters or doctoral level) in good academic standing.
      • Students should register by October 24, 2022 here.
      • If you have any questions, please contact gradschool@uh.edu
      • Media Release Form
      • Winners of the 3MT  competition will receive awards ranging from $250 to $1000.  The UH 3MT winner may compete at the regional competition hosted by the Conference of Southern Graduate Schools in the spring.

    Training sessions

    To learn more about the 3MT competition, register for this information session:

    Info Session: Getting Started with your 3MT Presentation
    In this session, you will learn about this year’s virtual 3MT competition.  Slide design and tips for communicating your research to a nonspecialist audience will be discussed.  You will develop an elevator pitch that will be the starting point for your 3MT presentation.

    Presented by Dr. Sarah Larsen, Vice Provost and Dean of the Graduate School
    Friday, September 23, 11 am -12 pm, Virtual session

    Register here and zoom information will be sent.

    Important 3MT Dates: 

    Friday, October 24, 2022: 3MT Registration deadline    

    Friday, November 04 (10:00am - 2:00 pm) - 3MT preliminary rounds

    Friday, November 18 (11:00am - 12:00pm) : 3MT final round in the Student Center Theatre

PAST GRADUATE RESEARCH SHOWCASE EVENTS

To view Graduate research showcase events of past years, click here.