Three Minute Thesis Competition 2009


3MT Champions - 2009

The Winner of the second annual Three Minute Thesis competition is Mr Richard Ronay, PhD candidate in the School of Psychology (Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences). Richard's prize was presented by ABC broadcaster Warwick Hadfield.

The Runner-up is Mr David MacDonald, PhD candidate in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Faculty of Health Sciences).

The People's Choice winner, by popular ballot, is Ms Emma Gagen, PhD candidate in the School of Animal Studies (Faculty of Natural Resources, Agriculture and Veterinary Science).

Congratulations Richard, David and Emma and profound thanks to all participants and colleagues in Schools, Institutes and Faculties for embracing the Three Minute Thesis competition.

See all eight finalists slides. Watch this space for updates on media coverage of the event.

In 2010, as part of UQ's Centennial celebrations, UQ will host the inaugural National Three Minute Thesis competition.

photo of 3MT winner and judges 

Prof. Michael Bromley, Mr Richard Ronay (Winner), Mr David MacDonald (Runner-up), Mr Warwick Hadfield, A/Prof. Melissa Brown

What is it?

Research higher degree (PhD and MPhil) candidates have three minutes to give an engaging and dynamic response to the question “So, how’s your thesis going?” or “What are you researching?” In 2008 The University of Queensland organised the inaugural competition with 160 competitors.
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How is it judged?
Entrants should present the Three Minute Thesis as a compelling three minute oration on their thesis topic and its significance in language appropriate to an intelligent but non-specialist audience.
Clarifications (10/09/09):
  • A single PowerPoint slide, including transitions, is permitted but no additional electronic media (e.g. sound and video files);
  • All transitions used in slide should be visible at the end: don't introduce images/text that are not seen again. (Please don't use transitions for a slide show within a slide!);
  • No other props are allowed.
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Judging Criteria
1.      Language: Did they describe their thesis topic & its significance in language appropriate to an intelligent but non-specialist audience?
2.      Oratory: Was the talk engaging, dynamic, and compelling, making us want to know more?
3.      Creativity: Has the presentation been inventive in a way that helped the audience understand the research?
Who is eligible to enter?
Anyone who is active in a PhD or MPhil program (thesis under submission is OK but no graduates)
Why do it?
The Three Minute Thesis Competition supports a common Graduate Attribute for research degree candidates:
the capacity to communicate ideas effectively to a range of audiences inside and outside the field of study or discipline and to the wider community. 
 
Prizes (or Why do it - Part 2)
  • Every competitor: a Piled Higher and Deeper comics t-shirt ( ! ! NEW 2009 design by Jorge Cham specifically for this UQ event ! ! )
  • Each Faculty Final winner: autographed 3-volume set of Jorge Cham’s Piled Higher and Deeper comics + UQ Bookshop $100 book voucher
  • Runner-up: a watch + $200 UQ Bookshop voucher + $2000 research or conference grant.
  • Winner: a watch + $5000 international research or conference grant.

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Timeframe
  • By Sept 8: School/Institute heats to choose entrants for Faculty Finals (1 or 2 each) - organised at School/Institute level
  • By Sept 15: Faculty semi-finals - organised by each Faculty and combined Institutes
  • Update! Sept 21, 2.00-4.00pm: University final (8 competitors) - organised by Graduate School: UQ Centre Lecture Theatre (27A-220)
  • Sept 24: Research Week Industry Dinner at Customs House: winner to present their Three Minute Thesis
Notes
 
Number to go forward from Schools/Institutes will depend on the number of units in your Faculty. (Largest schools may put forward more than one).
Institutes will form a "Faculty level" panel to determine one institute winner to go through to University final (equal to School - Faculty progression).
 
How to compete
 
Each competitor starts at the local School/Institute heat to receive their Three Minute Thesis T-shirt. Contact your Postgraduate Coordinator or Administrator for details.
 
Not sure who your relevant Postgrad Coordinator or Administrator is? Check here: http://www.uq.edu.au/grad-school/school-contact-details
 
 
University final and Research Week activities: contact Tony Miscamble

Previous 3MT competitions

 
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