Participating in 3MT offers more than an opportunity to present research; it allows competitors to network with faculty, fellow graduate students, and community members. Participants can also attend workshops to enhance their presentation skills and refine their content in preparation for the competition.
- Showcase your research and its impact on the world
- Refine important skills
- Increase confidence as a communicator
- Boost your CV
- Win cash prizes
Eligibility Criteria
- Degree-seeking graduate student
- Registered for one or more credits spring semester 2026
- Registration form must be submitted by the deadline
How does 3MT work?
Each competitor submits a 3-minute video presentation of their research. The video can include one static image (PowerPoint slide or other graphic).
Submitted videos are divided into six groups, each evaluated by a panel consisting of NDSU faculty, students, staff, and community members. The judges assess presentations based on subject comprehension, presentation content, audience engagement, and communication skills.
Each preliminary round winner will receive $250 and advance to the live championship round, which is open to the public.
Championship Round
The championship round will take place in person at the Anishinaabe Theater, NDSU Memorial Union. A new panel of judges, who did not evaluate the preliminary rounds, will assess the presentations based on the same criteria. They will see the presentations for the first time at the event.
The winner of the championship round will be named, earning $1,000, plus the $250 preliminary round prize for a total of $1,250. The champion will also advance to the Western Association of Graduate Schools Regional 3MT Competition. The decision of the adjudicating panel is final. Additionally, two innovation awards, each worth $500, will be presented to the competitors with the most innovative presentations.
Judging Criteria
At every level of the competition, competitors will be assessed on two key areas, equally weighted:
Comprehension and Content:
- Presentation clearly motivated the research question and its significance.
- Research strategy/design and results/findings were clearly described.
- Conclusions, outcomes, and impact of the research were clearly articulated.
Engagement and Communication:
- The oration was delivered clearly with language appropriate for a non-specialist audience.
- The PowerPoint slide was well-defined and enhanced the presentation.
- The presenter conveyed enthusiasm for their research and maintained audience attention.
Rules
Preliminary Video Round
- Presentations are considered to have commenced when a presenter starts their presentation through speech. Presentations are limited to 3 minutes and competitors exceeding the time limit are disqualified.
- Videos must meet the following criteria:
- Filmed horizontally on a plain background from a static position.
- Single camera angle.
- Include a 3MT title slide and a single, static PowerPoint slide (no transitions or animations).
- The audio must be continuous with no sound edits.
- No additional props or electronic media are allowed.
- Spoken word only—no poems, raps, or songs.
- Submissions must be in video format, with only the video link provided to Event Coordinators. Files in other formats will not be accepted.
- Entries for final adjudication in the Wildcard or University Final must be submitted by the School/Faculty/Institute 3MT Event Coordinator. Competitors should not submit their videos directly to 3MT.
Championship Round
- Same rules as the preliminary round, with a live presentation and the same criteria.
The 3MT competition was developed by The University of Queensland in 2008. On February 4, 2015, the NDSU Graduate School hosted its first Three Minute Thesis competition with 25 participants. Since then, over 200 graduate students showcase their research for staff, faculty, fellow students, and community leaders.
If you have questions about 3MT, contact the Grad School at ndsu.gsa@caminal-equip.com.