Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) is a research communication competition developed by The University of Queensland which challenges research higher degree students to present a compelling oration on their thesis and its significance in just three minutes in language appropriate to a non-specialist audience.
The first 3MT was held at UQ in 2008 with 160 RHD students competing. In 2009 and 2010 the 3MT competition was promoted to other Australian and New Zealand universities and enthusiasm for the concept grew. Due to its adoption in numerous universities, a multi-national event was developed, and the Inaugural Trans-Tasman 3MT competition was held at UQ in 2010. Since 2011 the popularity of the competition has increased and 3MT competitions are now held in at least 170 universities across more than 17 countries worldwide. In November 2013, the first Universitas 21 (U21) 3MT competition was held with several universities from around the world competing in a virtual competition.
Clemson University's Graduate Student Government and the Graduate School co-hosted Clemson’s first 3MT competition in April 2014 as one of the premier events of the University’s first Research and Innovation Month. Each entrant was judged on delivery and content by a panel of judges that included staff, faculty, and community members. Since, 3MT has expanded to other Clemson campuses, and it has become a traditional event for graduate researchers to give crisp presentations about the innovations happening in the university.
Competition is open to ALL graduate students of Clemson University. There are two categories for the event: Graduate Students and Ph.D. Candidates. First three places in each category will be awarded. First place in the Ph.D. Candidates category will represent Clemson University in the Conference of Southern Graduate Schools 3MT competition on February 14-16th 2019 in Knoxville, TN.
