The 3MT® Final at Ulster takes place on Wednesday 6 June at 5.30pm in Magee campus: RSVP
The Doctoral College is delighted that Ulster University will be running the Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) competition for the first time. 3MT® is an academic competition that challenges PhD Researchers to describe their research and its significance, in non-specialist language to a general audience, in just three minutes.
The prize for the overall winner is £750 with prizes for the runner up and all finalists, as well as a People’s Choice Award.
The 3MT Final will take place on Wednesday 6 June 2018, 5.30pm hosted at the Magee campus.
The overall winner of the Ulster competition will then go through to the semi-final of the 2018 Vitae 3MT national competition (online), with the chance to be selected for the UK Final!
| Stage | Date and time | Location |
|---|---|---|
Ulster 3MT® Final - hosted on the Magee campus (filmed) | 6 June 2018, 5.30pm | Magee campus |
Semi Final of National 3MT Competition (video to be submitted, held online) | July/August 2018 | Online |
Final of Vitae 2018 National Competition | 17 September 2018 | Vitae Conference, Birmingham |
Prizes
- Winner of Ulster 3MT: £750
- Runner Up: £250
- Finalists: £50 Amazon Voucher
- The People’s Choice Award: Trophy
Competition Rules
- A single static PowerPoint slide is permitted. No slide transitions, animations or 'movement' of any description are allowed. 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 either movement or speech.
- The decision of the adjudicating panel is final.
Judging criteria
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 oration make the audience want to know more?
- Was the presenter careful not to trivialise or generalise 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?
For further information and queries about the 3MT competition please contact: Lisa Thompson, Doctoral Development Manager, l.thompson@ulster.ac.uk / 02890 368963.