Graduate School of Arts and Sciences

Three Minute Thesis (3MT)

Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition

For the first time, graduate students at Rutgers-Camden will participate in the global Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition. The goal is for students to communicate their research as succinctly and clearly as possible to a broad audience in three minutes or less, using only a single slide for visual support.

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What is the Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition

The Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) is an academic research communication competition developed by The University of Queensland (UQ), Australia.

Competitors in 3MT are asked to create a three-minute video that explains their research clearly and succinctly for a broad, general audience. The competition tests research communication skills, the ability to remove jargon, and effectiveness in public presentation.

About the Rutgers-Camden 3MT Competition

The inaugural Rutgers-Camden Three Minute Thesis competition will be held virtually. Eligible PhD candidates are invited to submit a three-minute research presentation video for a broad audience, following official 3MT guidelines.

Eligibility requirements, rules, and submission details are summarized below.

Who is Eligible?

Per the 3MT guidelines: Actively enrolled PhD candidates who have successfully passed their qualifying exams and defended their proposal by the date of their first presentation are eligible to participate in 3MT competitions at all levels.

The following are not eligible to enter the 3MT Competition:

  • Alumni (including October 2025 and January 2026 graduates)
  • Students enrolled in a master’s-only degree program
What are the Rules?

3MT challenges participants to communicate their research in a succinct and accessible way to a broad audience. With that in mind, here are some of the most important rules for the virtual 3MT contest:

  • Presentations are limited to 3 minutes. Competitors exceeding 3 minutes are disqualified.
  • Presentations are spoken word only (no poems, raps, or songs).
  • No additional props are allowed.
  • A single static slide is permitted (no slide transitions, animations, or movement of any description).
  • Videos must be filmed from a static position and completed in one continuous take. The 3-minute audio must be continuous – no sound edits or breaks.

A complete list of 3MT rules for virtual competitions can be found online here.

Where Will the Event Be Held?

This year’s 3 Minute Thesis will be held as a virtual competition. If you are interested in submitting to 3MT, you must sign up in advance
here.

3MT Competition Timeline

Think you have what it takes to win Rutgers-Camden’s first 3MT competition and represent the Scarlet Raptors at the Northeastern Association of Graduate Schools’ 3MT Competition?

Application Deadline

Wed, Mar 11

Video Upload Deadline

Mon, Mar 16

Winners Announced

Tues, Mar 31

Need Assistance? We’re Here to Help

For questions, contact Assistant Dean Mitch Larson. To learn more, attend the virtual information session or watch this space for a link to the recording if you can’t join live.