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3-Minute Thesis Competition

The 10th Annual University of Winnipeg 3-Minute Thesis Competition: 3MT X

The University of Winnipeg's 10th Annual Three-Minute Thesis Competition was held on March 3, 2023.

The First-Place recipient was Michelle Beltran (MSc in Bioscience, Technology, and Public Policy) for her Three-Minute Thesis, "Oh my gut: Effects of short chain fatty acids on enteric glial cells." Michelle is moving forward to the Western Regional Three-Minute Thesis Competition at the University of Saskatchewan on May 25, 2023!

Sage Broomfield (Master's in Develop Practice: Indigenous Development) took home the Second-Place prize for "Towards intergenerational energy solutions: A comprehensive review of Indigenous youth-focused participatory research with applications in alternative energy research."

The audience selected Jasmyne Storm (MSc in Bioscience, Technology, and Public Policy) as the recipient of People's Choice award for "It's getting hot in here: It’s getting hot in here: milk nanovesicles promote heat shock response and reduce neuroinflammation."

The 3MT™ is a research communication competition developed by The University of Queensland which challenges postgraduate degree students to present a compelling oration on their thesis and its significance in language appropriate to a non-specialist audience within three minutes.

See 3MT X Competition Program

Competition Participants

Visit the 3MT Contestants page to learn about the students participating in this competition!

3MT Timeline for Participants

Registrations due: January 17, 11:59 p.m.
Submit your personal details and abstract using the online registration form.

Coaching Session for participants: February 7, 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.
The Faculty of Graduate Studies has organized a 3MT Coaching Session featuring Dr. Tracy Whalen, Associate Professor of Writing, Rhetoric, and Communications; Graduate Studies Writing Mentor Blake Carter; and the 2022 First-place and People's Choice winners, Natassia D'Sena and Bradley Howell.

Photos and bios due: February 10, 11:59 p.m.
Registered students will receive instructions for submitting their biography and photos for inclusion on the 3MT website and in promotional materials.

Final version of slides due: February 20, 11:59 p.m.

3MT Dress Rehearsal and Practice Run: TBA

10th Annual Three-Minute Thesis Competition, 3MT X: March 3, 2:00-5:00 p.m.

Presentation Rules and Regulations

Presentation Rules:

  • A single,static, 16:9 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 considered to have commenced when a presenter starts their presentation through either movement or speech.
  • The decision of the adjudicating panel is final.
Judges and Judging Criteria

The Faculty of Graduate Studies is honoured to announce our 2023 3MT Judging Panel. In alphabetical order the judges are:

Andrea Legary, Board Chair, Research Manitoba

Paul Samyn, Editor, Winnipeg Free Press

Sherri Walsh, Managing Partner, Hill Sokalski Walsh LLP

Judging Criteria

Competition judges are asked to evaluate each presentation along two dimensions: Comprehension and Content, and Engagement and Communication.

Comprehension and Content

  • Presentation provides an understanding of the background and significance to the research question being addressed
  • Presentation clearly describes the impact and/or results of the research, including conclusions and outcomes
  • Presentation follows a clear and logical sequence
  • The thesis topic, research significance, results/impact and outcomes are communicated in language appropriate to a non-specialist audience
  • The presenter spends adequate time on each element of their presentation (they do not elaborate on one aspect for too long, nor is the presentation rushed).

Engagement and Communication

  • The oration makes the audience want to know more
  • The presenter neither trivializes nor generalizes their research
  • The presenter conveys enthusiasm for their research
  • The presenter captures and maintains their audience's attention using stage presence, eye contact and vocal range.
  • The PowerPoint slide enhance the presentation. It is clear, legible, and precise
Previous Competitions

To view information about previous competitions, including videos of the presentations, please see:

Winning presentations from 2014 - 2022

3-Minute Thesis Competitions 2014-2022