What is a Three-minute thesis you ask?
The three-minute thesis, or 3MT, is an international competition for doctoral students to present their research and its significance to a non-expert audience in just three minutes, using just one PowerPoint slide.
It is held annually at over 900 universities across 85 countries, including here at Charles Sturt.
In 2025 3MT is back once again with our heats held fully online as part of our DocFest program (May 26th -30th).
It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase your work, build your communication skills, and connect with a broader community. We’re now calling for entries—don’t miss your chance to share your research story. Submit your entry today and be part of this inspiring competition!
Why should I enter?
There are so many reasons!
- It will help you to refine and define the significance of your research
- It will enable you to articulate your research and its value clearly and succinctly to a lay audience
- It will help you to build confidence and skills as a presenter and to engage an audience
- It is an amazing opportunity to broadcast and bring attention to your research and raise you profile as a researcher
Who should enter?
- Active PhD and Professional Doctorate (Research) candidates who have successfully passed their confirmation milestone by the date of their heat are eligible
- The 3MT competition doesn’t require entrants to talk about results, so even if you’re in the early stages of candidature and have yet to collect your data you can still enter
- Candidates who currently have a thesis under examination are eligible so long as they have not been approved to graduate at the time of the heats.
Yes, there are even prizes!
- All participants in the 3MT Heats received a gift from a selection of Charles Sturt merchandise including the options of a Charles Sturt hoodie!
- Monetary prizes were awarded at the Charles Sturt Final – the Judges’ Choice, Runner Up and Peoples’ Choice Awards.
- The winner of the Judges Choice Award will represent Charles Sturt at the 3MT Asia-Pacific Finals.
Interested but like to know more?
No problem! Join us for our introductory session 3MT- What’s it all about?, on Tuesday 18 March. Find it in the training calendar and register now!
We also hold a number of development, feedback and practice sessions in the lead up to the heats to help you along the way.
Visit our 3MT webpage and see previous years 3MT finalists.
How do I Get involved?
Ready to join the 3MT excitement? Find resources and tips to help you prepare, refine your presentation, and make an impact.
3MT training, feedback and rehearsal workshops
Researcher Development offer a number of workshops to help you prepare, practice, receive feedback, refine and deliver your 3MT presentation. Keep an eye of the training calendar to register.
Useful links
- Watch examples of 3MT presentations from around the world
- Official 3MT page
- The Thesis Whisperer – How to win the 3MT – Google doc/slide show
More information
For more information, please contact CSU 3MT organisers – CSU3MT@csu.edu.au