Three Minute Thesis
The University of Waikato's 3MT: A challenge for PhD students to explain their research clearly and concisely in a three-minute presentation.
Three minutes. One slide. Big ideas.
The University of Waikato’s Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition showcases how doctoral researchers bring their research to life by presenting their findings to a non‑specialist audience in just three minutes.
Three Minute Thesis (3MT) is an international research communication competition developed by the University of Queensland and delivered by universities worldwide. It provides doctoral researchers with an opportunity to explain the significance of their research clearly and confidently to audiences beyond their discipline.
At the University of Waikato, 3MT celebrates doctoral research while supporting entrants to build strong presentation, storytelling, and public‑engagement skills.
Registrations for the 2027 3MT Doctoral Heats will reopen next year.
Watch the 2026 3MT Finals on YouTube
Thinking about entering 3MT?
This video explains what the Three Minute Thesis competition involves and how it supports doctoral candidates to develop strong research communication skills.
Three Minute Thesis (3MT) preparation workshop
Looking at entering the Three Minute Thesis competition? Unsure what it is but interested to know more? The School of Graduate Research can provide information and prepare you for the competition.
This session will support both those registered to compete and anyone thinking about entering the competition. We will outline the main aims of the contest, suggest strategies for preparing your pitch, and offer tips on presenting it dynamically for the 3MT heats and finals.
The 3MT Preparation Workshop will be taking place on Thursday, 14 May 2026, 10.00am - 1.00pm, in M.1.42 on the Hamilton Campus and online via Teams.
Amaze your supervisors, promote your research, and make some new friends. Register for the 3MT Preparation Workshop.
Overview of the 3MT Doctoral Competition
Participants compete in doctoral heats, where they present their research in a three‑minute spoken presentation supported by one static slide. Presentations are delivered to an intelligent but non‑specialist audience and focus on clearly communicating the purpose, significance, and impact of the research.
Following the heats, the top 10 competitors are selected to advance to the University of Waikato 3MT Final, where they present again before a judging panel and audience. The winner of the University final goes on to represent Waikato in the Asia‑Pacific Virtual 3MT Competition.
Presentations typically address:
- what the research is about
- why the research is important
- the value or outcomes of the research
3MT is not about oversimplifying research. Instead, it encourages participants to refine their thinking, focus their message, and communicate their research with clarity and impact
The competition is open to currently enrolled University of Waikato doctoral candidates in the following programmes:
- PhD
- EdD
- DMA
- SJD
- DHSc
To be eligible, candidates must:
- have reached Confirmed Enrolment (Part 2 for EdD, SJD and DHSc), or have a thesis currently under examination
- be currently enrolled during both the doctoral heats and the Asia‑Pacific Virtual 3MT Competition
- not be on suspension
- agree to the Terms and Conditions of the competition
Graduates are not eligible to enter the competition.
Registrations for the 2026 3MT Doctoral Heats close 4.00pm on Friday 12 June 2026
Event 1: The University of Waikato 3MT Doctoral Heats
- Tuesday, 7 July 2026, from 9.00am in Te Kōpūroa (The Pā), Hamilton campus
Event 2: The University of Waikato 3MT Doctoral Final
- Tuesday, 4 August 2026, from 6.30pm in the Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts
Event 3: The Asia‑Pacific Virtual 3MT Competition
- Semi‑Finals: Monday, 21 September 2026 (online)
- Final: Wednesday, 14 October 2026 (online)
Presentations are assessed by a judging panel using criteria that focus on two key areas:
- Comprehension and content:
- clear explanation of the research topic and its significance
- clear articulation of outcomes, conclusions or impact - Engagement and communication:
- effective delivery using language appropriate for a non-specialist audience
- confident presentation style and effective use of the slide
Judging criteria are provided to participants ahead of the competition.
Presentations must comply with the official Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition rules.
- Presentations are limited to a maximum of three minutes. Competitors who exceed the time limit will be disqualified.
- Presentations must be continuous, delivered live from the stage, and may not be paused or restarted.
- Timing commences when the presenter begins speaking. The 3MT title slide is not included in the timing.
- Presentations must be spoken word only. Poems, raps, songs, or other performance formats are not permitted.
Slide and media requirements
- A single static slide is permitted.
- The slide must be displayed from the beginning of the presentation.
- No animations, transitions, or movement of any description are allowed.
- No additional electronic media may be used, including sound or video files.
Props and materials
- No additional props are permitted, including costumes, musical instruments, laboratory equipment, or animated backgrounds.
The decision of the adjudicating panel is final.
Winner of the 3MT Doctoral Final
- $1,000 cash prize
- Name engraved on the Professor John D McCraw Memorial Trophy
- Representation of the University of Waikato at the Virtual Asia‑Pacific 3MT Competition
Runner‑up
- $500 cash prize
People’s Choice Award
- $500 cash prize
Through participating in 3MT, doctoral candidates gain valuable experience communicating their research to a wide range of audiences, including academics, professional staff, and the wider community. The competition provides a supportive environment to practise public speaking, receive feedback, and build confidence in research storytelling.
When preparing a presentation, participants should take into account any Intellectual Property considerations. If aspects of the research are embargoed, confidential, or commercially sensitive, presentations must be structured in a way that communicates the research effectively without compromising these requirements.
Preparing for the Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition can be challenging. The resources below—including videos, workshops, and practical guides—are intended to help you plan, practise, and refine your presentation.
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Register for the 3MT Prep Workshop - Thursday 14 May 2026 in Te Puna Ako - Room M.1.42 or Teams
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University of Queensland's previous winner videos
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Deakin University's short videos: Mastering 3MT
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ThinkWrite: Tips of effective design and use of the 3-minute thesis slide
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Academic Positions: How to write a PhD elevator pitch
The University of Waikato reserves the right to withdraw any candidate from this competition if they do not meet the eligibility criteria or are found to have breached University protocol, either by plagiarising part or all of their presentation or acting in a manner that does not promote fair competition.
Meet our 2026 3MT Doctoral Competition Winners
3MT 2026 Winner
Jolene Jones from Te Wānanga Waiora | Division of Health was awarded the Professor John D McCraw Memorial Trophy for Outstanding Oratory Presentation of Doctoral Research.
3MT 2026 Runner Up
Muhammad Omer from Te Kura Mata-Ao | School of Engineering
Presentation title: '3D-Printed Metals: Heat Clues To Fatigue Failure'
3MT 2026 People's Choice Award
Fransiska Moko from Te Ngira | Institute for Population Research
Presentation title: 'When A Marriage Ends, The Story Doesn't: Women's Hidden Struggles In Indonesia'
The Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) is an academic research communication competition developed by The University of Queensland (UQ), Australia.