Three-Minute Thesis Details

Announcing The University of Southern Mississippi's 7th Annual Three-Minute Thesis Competition

Our 7th Annual Three-Minute Thesis will be taking place November 4-6, 2020.

Sign-up now! Registration closes October 12, at 8:00 am.

Traditionally, this competition is conducted in a face to face format. This year, we are finalizing plans for a hybrid format for those who may need to participate virtually. Further information will be provided as details become available.

ELIGIBILITY

Any active master’s, specialist’s or doctoral student who is currently enrolled in coursework or thesis/dissertation hours may participate.

CATEGORIES
During the preliminary competitions on November 4th and 5th from 2-5 p.m., students will compete in one of the following four categories:

• Physical Sciences and Math
• Social and Educational Sciences and Business
• Arts and Humanities
• Life, Health and Environmental Sciences

A first and second place winner will be selected from each category. Those eight finalists will compete in the finals competition on November 6, from 2-4 p.m. A Grand Champion and Runner-Up winner will be selected. (The Graduate School reserves the right to combine categories at its discretion.)

The Grand Champion will compete in the Conference of Southern Graduate Schools (CSGS) regional Three Minute Thesis competition in Spring of 2021. Any expenses will be paid by the Graduate School.

PRIZES

• Grand Champion - $1,000
• Runner-Up - $750
• Each of the Eight Category Winners - $250

 

RULES

• The presentation must describe current research. Research for which a degree was previously awarded or which was done at another institution is not allowed.
• A single (8 1/2" x 14” landscape) static PowerPoint slide is required (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. pointers, note cards, costumes, musical instruments, laboratory equipment) are permitted.
• Presentations are limited to three minutes maximum, and competitors exceeding three minutes are disqualified.
• Presentations are to be spoken word (e.g. no poems, raps or songs).
• Presentations are considered to have commenced when the presenter starts their presentation through movement or speech.
• The decision of the judges is final.
• Due to Covid-19 restrictions, you will be assigned a specific presentation time. You will be contacted via email with details prior to the event.

 

JUDGING CRITERIA

Comprehension and Content

• Did the presentation provide an understanding of the background to the research question being addressed and its significance?
• Did the presentation clearly describe the key results of the research including conclusions and outcomes?
• Did the presentation follow a clear and logical sequence?
• Were 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 his/her presentation - or did the presenter elaborate for too long on one aspect or was the presentation rushed?

 

Engagement and 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 the research?
• Did the presenter capture and maintain the audience's attention?
• Did the speaker have sufficient stage presence, eye contact and vocal range; maintain a steady pace, and have a confident stance?
• Did the PowerPoint slide enhance the presentation - was it clear, legible, and concise?

 

 

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