Three Minute Thesis (3MT)
Step into the spotlight and compete for cash prizes, campus prestige, and bragging rights. Represent your school and showcase your research in just three minutes—one slide, no jargon, endless impact.
The GW 3-Minute Thesis (3MT) Showdown challenges doctoral students to present their research in just three minutes using one static slide and language the layperson can understand. It’s a fast-paced, university-wide competition celebrating clarity, creativity, and the art of making research accessible.
The 2025 3MT Thesis Showdown will take place in two rounds.
- Preliminary Round: A closed competition where a panel of judges will select the top 2 competitors from each school.
- Final Round: The selected finalists will compete live in front of an audience for cash prizes up to $1,000, campus prestige, and the title of GW's Top Scholar Communicator.
Check Eligibility Apply to Compete Review Event Rules
Event Details
Preliminary Round
- Date: Wednesday, February 11th,2026, at 2:00 pm
- Location: USC Room 302
This event is closed to the public
Final Round
- Date: Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 2:00 pm
- Location: USC Ampitheater, 3rd Floor
Open to the public and live-streamed. The Live-stream link will be posted on this page closer to the event
Cash Prizes
The top 2 competitors from each school will compete in the final round for cash prizes*:
First Place: $1,000
Second Place: $750
Third Place: $500
People's Choice: $500
First, second, and third place will be awarded by a panel of judges. People's Choice will be voted on by the audience.
Check Eligibility Apply to Compete Review Event Rules
Please refer to the Competitor's Information Page for more information.
Questions? Contact Hillary Hughes at oga
gwu [dot] edu (oga[at]gwu[dot]edu)
2026 First Place Winner Natalie Boyle
*Cash prizes may be subject to taxation