The Graduate Student Government (GSG) will be hosting the annual 3 Minute Thesis (3MT) competition on Nov. 4 with doubled cash prizes. The competition, held in the MUB Isle Royale Ballroom, will challenge students to present their research to a non-specialist audience, equipped with only three minutes and one static slide.
According to Mari Leland, Research Chair for Graduate Student Government, cash prizes have doubled for the second-year in a row. First place will receive $600, second place $400 and the people’s choice winner $200. The highest-scoring student may also receive funding to compete in the regional competition in Minneapolis, depending on eligibility.
For competitors, preparation involves turning complex research into an understandable and engaging presentation. Leland said successful presenters are typically passionate and confident about their research, and that “their talk is well practiced but still feels conversational… They pace themselves, and the presentation doesn’t feel like a rush to finish in three minutes.”
Michigan Tech’s competition guide recommends abstaining from academic jargon, and turning unfamiliar concepts into a palatable narrative. Competitors are encouraged to practice aloud in front of friends and family, as feedback is essential.
Presentations exceeding three minutes will be disqualified. Slides must be static, with no animations or videos allowed. Although discouraged, speech notes are permitted.
All Michigan Tech graduate students are eligible to compete, and only active Ph.D. students can advance to the regional competition. Beyond prizes, Leland said the competition serves as a great networking opportunity, and allows their research to reach a wider audience.
Registration and presentation slides are due Oct. 23. Preliminary rounds will be held Nov. 4 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and the finals will be held Nov. 5 from 6 to 8 p.m.
To help students prepare, the GSG Professional Development Committee will host a practice event Nov. 2 in Room 244 of the Library. The time has yet to be announced, with more information to be distributed through the GSG newsletter.
The GSG Research Committee has also published an online FAQ with resources to assist students in preparing. Students with additional questions can contact Leland at gsg-research@mtu.edu.
