Competitors' Information

Event Dates and Deadlines

All 3MT competitors are required to attend the following events and meet the following deadlines:

• December 18, 2025, at midnight: Deadline to Apply to Compete.
  • The application will close at 12:01 am. 
• January 12, 2026: Preliminary Competitors Notified
  • Due to limited space in the preliminary round of the competition, not all who apply will be selected. Preliminary competitors are selected on a first-come, first-served basis.
• January 15, 2026, at 12:00pm: Virtual Info Session
  • This mandatory 30-minute session will cover multiple topics, including competition rules, judging criteria, slide requirements, dress code, resources for preparation, etc., and will include time for competitor questions at the end.
• February 4, 2026, at midnight: Final Slides and Title Due
  • Final slides and title are to be submitted to OGAgwu [dot] edu by midnight.
  • Slides must be submitted in PowerPoint Format.
  • An introductory slide with the competitor's name, degree sought, program, school, advisor, and presentation title will be provided by the competition organizers.
• February 9-11, 2026, at 2:00: Preliminary Rounds
  • Preliminary competitors will attend one 2-hour session.
• February 13, 2026: Finalists Announced
  • All competitors will be contacted via email to be informed of their status.
• February 19, 2026, at 1:00: Final Competitors call and competition:
  • The top competitors are required to arrive and check in one hour before the competition at 1:00 p.m for a brief rehearsal.
  • At the rehearsal, competitors will review:
    • Final slide and intro slide for correctness.
    • Name pronunciation.
    • Room layout.
    • Timer, start sounds, disqualification sounds.
    • How each competitor will be invited to the stage, where to stand, how to begin the presentation, etc.
    • How to handle the microphone.
    • What to do if there is an interruption or technical difficulty.

Competition Rules

All participants must follow the official competition rules to ensure fairness and consistency. 

• A single static PowerPoint slide is permitted. No slide transitions, animations, or ‘movement’ of any description are allowed. 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. costumes, musical instruments, laboratory equipment) are permitted.
• Presentations are limited to 3 minutes maximum and competitors exceeding 3 minutes are disqualified.
• Presentations are to be spoken word (e.g. no poems, raps or songs).
• Presentations are to commence from the stage.
• Presentations are considered to have commenced after being given the cue to begin, and when a presenter starts their presentation through either movement or speech.
• The decision of the adjudicating panel is final.

Judging Criteria

In both rounds, each presentation will be evaluated by a panel of experts from a variety of disciplines (excluding advisors of any competitors). Judges will score each presentation using a 1-5 scale, with half points allowed. 

Presentations will be judged in two main areas: Comprehension & Content and Engagement & Communication. Each area includes three equally weighted criteria, for a total possible score of 30 points.  

Comprehension and Content

• The presentation provided clear motivation, background, and significance to the research question. (score out of 5)

• The presentation clearly described the research strategy/design and the results/findings of the research. (score out of 5)

• The presentation clearly described the conclusions, outcomes, and impact of the research. (score out of 5)

Engagement and Communication

• The oration was delivered clearly, and the language was appropriate for a non-specialist audience. (score out of 5)

• The PowerPoint slide was well-defined and enhanced the presentation. (score out of 5)

• The presenter conveyed enthusiasm for their research and captured and maintained the audience’s attention. (score out of 5)

Resources

• Review the 3MT Compeitors Guide for helpful tips, and resources.
• Check out the official Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) Vimeo channel to view past presentations from around the globe.
• Contact Hillary Hughes at OGAgwu [dot] edu (OGA[at]gwu[dot]edu) with any additional questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are there 2 rounds of competition?

We’ve introduced two rounds to make the competition both inclusive and engaging. The preliminary round allows a large number of students to participate and present their research to the judges. From there, the top competitors advance to the final round—keeping the live event at a fun, focused length for the audience while still showcasing a wide range of student talent.

Are the rules different for each round?

No, the rules, requirements, eligibility, judging rubric and juding criteria are the same for both rounds of the compeition.

I was selected to compete in the final round. Can I change my slide or presentation before the final compeition? 

Slides may not be changed between the preliminary competition and the final competition. You may alter your spoken presentation, if desired. 

Can I use notes during the competition?

Yes, palm cards and/or speech notes are acceptable, however this option may detract from the delivery of the 3MT and is not recommended. Digital notes are not allwed.

Can I use props for my presentation?

No, additional props (e.g. costumes, musical instruments, laboratory equipment) are not permitted during a 3MT presentation. Laser pointers are allowed, however not encouraged (your slide should be simple enough that you do not need to emphasise elements to the audience). content.

Do I need to include information such as my presentation title, name, school, degree program, advisor and degree on my slide?

No, the event organizers will provide an introductory slide with competitor's name, degree sought, program, school, advisor and presentation title.

Can I used sound or video on my slide?

No additional electronic media (e.g. sound and video files) is permitted during a 3MT presentation.

What is allowed on my 3MT slide?

One single static PowerPoint slide is permitted. In preparing the slide, remember that 'less is more'. It does not have to include text. Visual cues are very effective in assisting the presenter's explanation of their research (No slide transitions, animations, sound or 'movement' is permitted).

Can I interact with the audience and/or judging panel during my presentation?

Yes, the presenter is allowed to interact with the audience. This should be limited and rhetorical in nature and not break any of the 3MT rules (e.g. no props, only spoken word, no additional people brought onto stage)

Can I present virtually?

No, we do not allow virtual presentations.

I competed last year, can I compete again?

Yes, as long as you did not receive a prize you may compete again. We do give preference to those who have applied to compete previously, but were not able to compete.

What happens if my presentation takes longer than 3 minutes?

A large digital timer will be visible to competitors during their presentation to track time. If your presentation goes over 3 minutes, you will be disqualified.

How will I know if I have been disqualified?

A buzzer will sound after their presentation if a contestant is disqualified for any of the following reasons

• Presentation was over 3 minutes
• Did not follow established rules
• Competitor has been deamed ineligable

Can I win more than one cash prize?

No, winners of first, second, or third place are not eligible to win the People's Choice award.