3-Minute Thesis Competition
The Three-Minute Thesis Competition (3MT®) is returning in 2026!
This research communication competition, developed by , is UWinnipeg’s premiere showcase of graduate student research and ingenuity.
Evaluated by a panel of non-specialist judges, students have just three minutes to communicate the content and significance of their research in a manner that is comprehensive, comprehensible, and engaging. They are allowed a single Powerpoint slide to enhance their presentation.
The competition encourages students to develop their plain language communication and short-form knowledge transfer skills. Participants are invited to attend two exclusive training sessions: one on how to present their research as a narrative, and the other on basic slide design.
The first-round heats are scheduled for Thursday, March 5, and the final competition is scheduled for Thursday, March 19.
The 3MT First-Round Heats are scheduled for Thursday, March 5.
To register for a heat complete the by 11:59 pm on Sunday, February 1, 2026.
The registration form asks for your date/time preferences, presentation title, 1000-character abstract, and (optional) 150-word bio to be used on our website and in promotional materials.
Depending on the size of the heats, a total minimum of 8 and a total maximum of 12 participants will be selected to move forward to the final competition.
March 5 Schedule
AM Heat
10:00 am-12:00 pm
3C00
Lunch
12:00 - 1:20 pm, all participantsa and judges invited
PM Heat
1:30-3:30 pm
3C00
Three Minute Thesis Competition participants receive two exclusive training opportunities.
Make Three Minutes Memorable: Constructing a Research Narrative
Friday, February 6
2:00-3:00 PM
Grad Studies Boardroom (1RC029)
Designing an Effective Slide
Friday, February 20
2:00-3:00 PM
Grad Studies Boardroom (1RC029)
3MT Dress Rehearsal
Wedneday, March 4
Time TBA
3C00
The 3MT Final Competition is scheduled for Thursday, March 19, 5:00-7:00 pm in 3C00.
3MT Judging Criteria
3MT competition judges are asked to evaluate each presentation along each of the following dimensions:
Communication
- Did the speaker use non-verbal communication (i.e. eye contact, voice modulation, body language) effectively?
- Did the speaker use language and terminology that was clear, jargon-free, and understandable to a general audience?
- Did the speaker follow a logical sequence and use time appropriately?
Comprehension
- Did speaker clearly outline the background, significance, and outcome/results of the research?
- Did the speaker make the compelling aspects of the research clear (ex.problem to be solved, puzzle to be addressed, surprising implication, etc.)?
- Did the presentation provide an understand the scholarly research being taken?
Engagement
- Did the speaker capture and maintain your attention and convey enthusiasm for their work?
- Did the presentation make you want to know more without generalizing or trivializing the research?
- Did the PowerPoint slide enhance the presentation - was it clear, legible, and concise?
Presentation Rules:
- A single static 16:9 PowerPoint slide is required, no additional slides are permitted
- The slide is to be presented from the beginning of the oration
- No additional media is permitted
- No additional props are permitted, including costumes, musical instruments, laboratory equipment, etc.
- Presentations are limited to three minutes; competitors exceeding the limit are disqualified
- Presentations are to be delivered in regular prose (e.g. no poems, slam poetry, raps, songs, etc.)
- Presentations must commence from and remain on the stage
- Presentations are considered to have commenced when a presenter initiates either movement or speech
- The decision of the judging panel is final
The Three-Minute Thesis Competition demonstrates how a project's context and impact can be presented through short-form narration and digital media, showing that academic research, knowledge, and processes extend beyond the usual journal articles.
Research in Focus is an annual photography competition that takes us into the field, lab, and stage, offering a closer look at the incredible discoveries and creations of UWinnipeg's Rearchers.
In addition to competing in the Three-Minute Thesis Competition, graduate students are also encouraged to submit a photo to Research in Focus. Winners are announced at the 2026 3MT Final Competition.
To see presentations from previous years, please visit 3-Minute Thesis Competitions 2014-2024.