3 Minute Thesis Competition Overview

Have you ever wondered what kind of research Rowan University graduate students are working on? Do you want to learn in three minutes or less?

The Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) is a research communication competition. Participants work to convey their research and its significance in a short presentation that is understandable by a general audience, assisted only by one PowerPoint slide. Each presentation is judged on a specific set of criteria focusing on both the content of the speech and the quality of its delivery. 3MT is an excellent way for students to cultivate their academic, presentation, and research communication skills, on top of showcasing the incredible work being done by graduate students at Rowan University. 

Come out and support your fellow Rowan students! Enjoy fascinating information, tailored to be understandable by anyone who attends. This event is also open to the public.*

*We ask that young children not attend this event. As each presentation is timed and only given three minutes, any interruption can ruin a participant’s chances. There is an expectation of silence in the room when a participant is giving their presentation.

The Event

Location: South Jersey Technology Park, Room 246/247
Date and Time: April 12, 2024 6:30-8:30pm

WebEx Join link:
https://rowan.webex.com/rowan/j.php?MTID=m686e9a266dd91857a0dccdf538d8bbfb

Prizes

First Place Doctoral Presentation: $300 
First Place Masters Presentation: $300
Audience Choice: $100

Judges

Student Participants

Doctoral Competitors

 Master's Competitors

Rules for the Live Event

• A single static PowerPoint slide is permitted (no slide transitions, animations or 'movement' of any description; 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 to commence from the stage. 
• Presentations are considered to have commenced when a presenter starts their presentation through movement or speech.
• The decision of the adjudicating panel is final.

Judging Criteria

Comprehension and Content

• Presentation provided clear 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