3MT Timeline & Prizes

Video Submission

How will I prepare and submit my first round video?

How can you create your video? So, you are not a professional videographer or haven’t done something like this before?  Your video can be as high tech or low tech as you want to go.  Videos can be created simply using a smartphone, or in a more professional manner.  

• Video submissions are limited to 3 minutes
• Presentations should be in spoken word format (no poems, no rap, no songs, no additional electronic media like sound and video files, no additional props are allowed).
• The 3 minute submission needs to be continuous without any interruptions or edits.
• A single static slide is permitted in the presentation (no slide transitions, animations, or ‘movement’ of any description). This can be visible continuously, or ‘cut to’ (as many times as you like) for a maximum of 1 minute or submitted via email if not included in the presentation.
• Video submissions need to meet the following criteria to qualify for judging:
  • Must be filmed from a single camera angle throughout the presentation
  • Camera position should be horizontal so that the presenter is clearly visible under the lighting
  • Presenter needs to be seen physically in the video
  • Clear audio with no background noise
  • Clear visibility of text and figures on the slide 
  • Static slide with no animations, slide transitions or movements
  • The slide background can be white or any other color, as long as the images (and the text within the images) are clearly visible on the screen.
  • You can include a title slide with the title of your talk and the 3MT logo and then your static slide
• The decision of the judging panel is final and cannot be challenged.
• Presentations are considered to have commenced when a presenter starts their presentation by speaking. (Timing commences from when the competitor starts speaking, not from the start of the video)
• The decision of the adjudicating panel is final.

Please note: competitors *will not* be judged on video/ recording quality or editing capabilities (optional inclusions). Judging will focus on the presentation, ability to communicate research to a non-specialist audience, and 3MT PowerPoint slide.

Video Submission

• Please email your 1st Round, 3-minute video submission link to Cara Mitnick, cmitnick@uri.edu, by January 31, 2026, 11:59pm. You can record and submit in any accessible format.
• Click HERE for helpful guidance on recording and uploading your video. 
• For remaining help, ask Ariana Botelho, Professional Development TA, for assistance.
• Need additional help? Email Ariana Botelho, Professional Development TA, for assistance.
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Judging Criteria

How will I be judged?

For the first round, see this rubric for judging criteria

Comprehension & Content

• Did the presentation provide an understanding of the background to the research question being addressed and its significance?
• Did the presentation follow a clear and logical sequence?
• Was the thesis topic, key results, and research significance and outcomes communicated in language appropriate to a non-specialist audience?
• Did the speaker avoid scientific jargon, explain terminology and provide adequate background information to illustrate points?
• Did the presenter spend adequate time on each element of their presentation – or did they elaborate for too long on one aspect or was the presentation rushed?

Engagement & Communication

• Did the oration make the audience want to know more?
• Was the presenter careful not to trivialize or generalize their research?
• Did the presenter convey enthusiasm for their research?
• Did the presenter capture and maintain viewer’s attention?
• Did the presenter have sufficient eye contact, and vocal range; maintain a steady pace, and have a confident stance?
• Did the poster board, slide, or image enhance the presentation – was it clear and concise?

Please note: competitors *will not* be judged on video/ recording quality or editing capabilities (optional inclusions). Judging will focus on the presentation, ability to communicate research to a non-specialist audience, and 3MT PowerPoint slide.

Resources

Internal URI Resources

• Speaking Center: make an appt to practice your public speaking skills
• Graduate Writing and Presenting Lab: make an appt to brainstorm your ideas

3MT resources

• Official 3MT Rules
• Official 3MT Judging Criteria
• 3MT: Three tips to help you prepare a winning presentation
• 3MT: The three most common mistakes

Model Presentations

• Sarah Davis, URI 3MT Winner, 2024
• Demar Lewis, 3MT People’s Choice Award Yale University (2022)
• Emily Bowles-Peck, 3MT Winner University of Buffalo (2022)
• Matthew Ellis, 3MT Winner Yale University (2021)
• Willemjin Doedens, 3MT Winner University of Reading (2018)
• Assortment of previous finalists and winners from University of Queensland

Other Resources

• How to create your single slide
• 3MT coaching session
• Winning tips

Upcoming 3MT Events

Half-life Your Research Message! Craft a Short Research Summary for Your Elevator Pitch,

Monday, November 3, 3:30-5 p.m., 250 Pastore Hall 

You need a short and compelling description of your research when you meet potential collaborators, employers, and for participating in our Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition where you can compete to win up to $1,000 in prize money. Dr. Sunshine Menezes, Clinical Professor of Environmental Communication and former Executive Director of URI’s Metcalf Institute will lead this session. Pizza served! REGISTER HERE

Say it Smart: 3MT Communication Skills – Your Slide and Presentation

Friday, December 12, 10-11 a.m., via Zoom

This session provides practical strategies for clearly and effectively presenting complex research within the Three Minute Thesis  (3MT) format. You’ll gain insights into storytelling, engaging your audience, and enhancing visual clarity. REGISTER HERE

Previous 3MT Winners

2024 3MT Winners

FIRST PLACE WINNER, 2024

Sarah Davis
Ph.D. Biological & Environmental Sciences

View Sarah’s 3MT Presentation

 

RUNNER-UP WINNER, 2024

Md Abdullah al Rumon
Ph.D. Electrical Engineering

View Md Adbullah’s 3MT Presentation

 

PEOPLE’S CHOICE WINNER, 2024

Helani Singhapurage
Ph.D. Physics

View Helani’s 3MT Presentation