The 3MT competition challenges students to communicate the significance of their research projects to a non-specialist audience in just THREE MINUTES! The University of Maryland Graduate School invites graduate students from all disciplines to compete in the annual Three-Minute Thesis Competition (3MT). The competitions take place in March and April.
Participation in the 3MT competition provides students with...
-
Experience in presentation skills and public speaking
-
Practice talking about their research to a non-specialists audience
-
Better perspective about how their research fits into the larger picture
-
An opportunity to learn how to showcase their work to prospective employers
-
Networking opportunities with students and faculty on campus
-
An overall positive experience that promotes academic and professional growth
-
Recognition and prizes
The Graduate School's 3MT competition takes place in two rounds. The first-round college-level competitions occurs in March. Winners from the first-round competitions win a college-level prize and advance to the final round 3MT competition which is scheduled for April 19, 2023, in the Stamp Student Union. To learn more about your college level competition, please consult your college-level 3MT competition contact.
2023 3MT Competition Guidelines
REGISTER for the 2023 3MT Competition HERE
Preparing for the 3MT
Students who are considering competing in the 3MT Competition are encouraged to take advantage of some of the 3MT resources available to them. It is also important to read the 3MT guidelines carefully. Please reach out to your college’s 3MT contact at any time to learn more about your college-level competition.
If you have any questions, please email Program Manager Robyn Kotzker at rkotzker@umd.edu.
Important 2023 Dates for 3MT Participants
| DATE | EVENT |
| February 25 | Deadline to register for the 3MT Competition |
| March 1 | If first-round is virtual, deadline to submit 3MT video and slide, If first-round is in-person, competition date will be set by the colleges. |
| March 1 - 31 | 5 College-level 3MT Competitions. College-level winners to be announced by March 31, 2023. |
| April 1 - 18 | Semi-finalists prepare for final round competition |
| April 19 | Final Round 3MT Presentations (in-person) in Stamp Union. Winners announced April 20, 2023 |
View the History and Overview of the 3MT Competition for more information.