Three Minute Thesis

To be eligible to submit a proposal for the CU Anschutz 3MT, you must meet the following criteria: 

• You are a CU Anschutz student in a doctoral program.
• You have a draft of your thesis that includes data collection/findings and conclusions.

If you plan to compete in the 2024 event, please submit your application prior to October 18, 2024.

The application will request a 100-word synopsis of your thesis. This is your opportunity to provide an attention-getting teaser for your presentation.

1st Place

• $500 cash prize
• Advances to the regional 3MT competition hosted in March by the Western Association of Graduate Schools (WAGS).

2nd Place

• $300 cash prize

3rd Place

• $150 cash prize

People's Choice

• $250 Cash Prize

• Single static PowerPoint slide. No slide transitions, animations, or “movement” of any description are allowed. The slide is to be presented from beginning of oration.
• No additional electronic media (e.g. sound and video files) are permitted.
• No additional props (e.g. costumes, musical instruments, lab equipment) are permitted.
• Presentations are limited to 3 minutes maximum, and participants exceeding 3 minutes are disqualified.
• Presentations are to commence from the stage.
• Presentations are considered to have commenced when a presenter starts the presentation through either movement or speech.
• The decision of the adjudicating panel is final.

Criteria, as established by Queensland University. Judges will be provided a scoring rubric. 

Comprehension and content

Presentation provided clear background and significance to the research question

Presentation provided clear positionality of the presenter to the research and research approach

Presentation clearly described the research strategy/design and the results/findings of the research

Presentation clearly described the conclusions, outcomes and impact of the research

Engagement and communication

The oration was delivered clearly, and the language was appropriate for a non-specialist audience

The PowerPoint slide was well-defined and enhanced the presentation

The presenter conveyed enthusiasm for their research and captured and maintained the audience’s attention

• A 3MT competitor guide has been provided by Queensland University. 
• The Career Development Office will host a preparatory workshop approximately one month prior to competition.