3-Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition

3MT develops research communication skills, especially the ability to effectively explain research in language appropriate to a non-specialist audience. This is a very critical skill for effective communication during job interviews.

Eligibility

This competition is open to all graduate students affiliated with an academic institution in IEEE Region 5.

Format

Interested students should submit their intent to compete form. Based on the number of participants there will be maximum of three rounds. Selected students will be asked to submit their registration along with a video for initial screening by January 3, 2025 and the semi-finalists will be announced by January 15, 2025. 16 semi-finalists will be invited for in person presentation and finally 8 students will be selected for the finals. The winner and the 1st runner up will get a chance to present at the IEEE Region 5, 2025 Annual Banquet and Awards Ceremony.

Rules and Guidelines

  • 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.
  • A single static PowerPoint slide is permitted. No slide transitions, animations or movement) and 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.
  • The decision of the adjudicating panel is final.

Judging Criteria

At every level of the competition each competitor will be assessed on the judging criteria listed below. Each criterion is equally weighted and has an emphasis on audience.

Comprehension and content

  • Presentation provided clear motivation, background and significance to the research question
  • Presentation clearly described the research strategy/design and the results/findings of the research
  • Presentation clearly described the conclusions, outcomes and impact of the research

Engagement and communication

  • The oration was delivered clearly, and the language was appropriate for a non-specialist audience
  • The PowerPoint slide was well-defined and enhanced the presentation
  • The presenter conveyed enthusiasm for their research and captured and maintained the audience’s attention

Student Registration

Interested students MUST complete the online Intent to Compete form to declare their intention to participate. Selected students will be then called to participate in the first round of the competition. This round does not have a registration fee.

Students who qualify for the semifinals need to register for the R5 conference by February 14, 2025 to ensure their place. The fee for registration is $200 for IEEE members and $250 otherwise. Selected presenters based on the first round ranking may be eligible for a scholarship on the registration.

Intent to Compete

Awards

Winners will be awarded the following prize money

  • 1st Place – $1000
  • 2nd Place – $800
  • 3rd Place – $700

A W-8 (foreign person) or W-9 (US person) withholding form is required by the IEEE Region 5 Treasurer prior to disbursement. The winners must also provide their current mailing address.

Contact

We use Discord as our primary means of communicating updates about individual competitions. Click on the button below to join the R5 Discord Server. Inside the server you can find channels for all the competitions, including the 3-Minute Thesis competition (#3mt-general). The competition chairs and volunteers are members of the channel, and will respond to any questions you might have.

We strongly recommend the participants to be part of the Discord server, as all the updates regarding individual competitions will be communicated via their corresponding channels (including during the day of the event).