3-Minute Thesis Competition

Three Minute Thesis

3-Minute Thesis (3MT) is an exciting global academic competition celebrating the innovative research undertaken by PhD students, which was originally developed by the University of Queensland, Australia. 3MT participants present their research to a non-specialist audience in just three minutes using one slide. Participation helps develop students’ academic, presentation and communication skills.

Heriot-Watt University has participated in the 3-Minute Thesis competition since 2019, with the Research Futures Academy coordinating the competition within the University and supporting each years’ winner as they advance to the regional stage of the competition. We provide training and informational workshops to each cohort of competitors, helping them to prepare for the competition and to refine their presentations. Experienced academics from across Heriot-Watt act as judges at the institutional-stage of the competition, with the University finals held in front of a live audience who can vote for their favourite presentations.

The ability to communicate the importance of your research project and articulate your findings is a valuable transferable skill. The 3-Minute Thesis competition provides you with the opportunity to:

  • Communicate your ideas effectively to a wider community
  • Describe your research findings to a non-specialist audience
  • Crystallise your thoughts about your thesis
  • Increase your research profile
  • Network with other PGR students
  • Develop your transferable skills

If you are currently a postgraduate researcher at Heriot-Watt University interested in taking part in the 3-Minute Thesis Competition, HWU 3MT Competition 2023 is now open for registration. You can find more information on our SharePoint site or by contacting researchfuture@hw.ac.uk.