Would you be able to summarize your 80,000 word thesis in just three minutes?
UBC 3MT (Three Minute Thesis) aims to do just that. UBC 3MT is an academic competition that assists current graduate students with fostering effective presentation and communication skills. Participants have just three minutes to explain the breadth and significance of their research project to a non-specialist audience.
3MT was developed by The University of Queensland in 2008, and is now held at many countries around the world. UBC was one of the first universities in North America to host a 3MT competition, when it held the inaugural 3MT @UBC in 2011. More than 120 students competed in the 3MT events in 2024.
Every year heats are held across campus beginning in February, with winners moving on to the UBC-wide Semi-Finals and Finals in March. The finalist will have the opportunity to represent UBC at the Western Regional 3MT competition, and all semi-finalists have a chance to win prizes.
Graduate students are invited to check out the schedule of Departmental Open Heats to join one in their area, or to email Graduate Pathways to register for the Open Heats. Visit the 3MT website for training sessions and to check the schedule.
To participate in 3MT @UBC you must currently be registered in a thesis-based masters or PhD program at UBC. Graduate students who have defended but have not yet graduated are eligible.
For more information, visit the 3MT website.
Upcoming events
Interactive Key Messaging Workshop: Effectively Articulating the Why’s and How’s of Your Research
Date: Tuesday, Feb 11, 10 – 11:30 am
Speaking as a Scholar: Telling Your Research Story
Date: Thursday, Feb 13, 12:30 – 2 pm
Faculty Panel: Communicating Research to the Public
Date: Friday, Feb 14, 10 – 11:15 am
The 3MT Semi Finals and Final events will be held in the Dodson Room in the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre. The Semi Finals take place on March 11, while the Finals takes place on March 14.
Semi Finals
The top five finalists from each Semi-final will advance to the final.
Tuesday, March 11
Semi-final I: 10 am to 12 pm
Semi-final II: 2 – 4 pm
Final
Friday, March 14, 12 – 2 pm, Dodson Room (Irving K. Barber Learning Centre, 1961 East Mall).