Three Minute Thesis Competition
The University of Cincinnati's Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition challenges graduate students to summarize their research or scholarship for a nonspecialist audience using only three minutes of speech and a single PowerPoint slide.
2027 Competition
Applications are due Monday, February 1, 2027, by 11:59 p.m.
The competition will take place Wednesday, February 24, 2027. The specific time and location will be announced.
Competition prizes
- First place: $1,000
- Second place: $750
- Third place: $500
- People’s Choice Award: $500
The audience will select the People’s Choice Award winner. A student who wins first, second or third place may also receive the People’s Choice Award. All prize funds will be posted to the winners’ Catalyst student accounts.
The first-place winner will be registered to compete in the Midwestern Association of Graduate Schools’ regional 3MT competition during the MAGS annual meeting, March 24–26, 2027, in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Information Sessions
Interested in competing in the 2027 Three Minute Thesis Competition? Join us for one of two virtual information sessions to learn about the competition, important dates, rules, prize amounts, preliminary rounds and tips for success. Both sessions cover the same information, so choose the date and time that works best for you. Each session will also include time for questions and insights to help you prepare.
Information Session 1
Thursday, November 5, noon–12:45 p.m., online
Register for the Information Session 1
Information Session 2
Thursday, November 12, 6–6:45 p.m., online
Preliminary Round Sessions
To select the finalists for the university-wide 3MT competition, the Graduate College will host virtual preliminary round sessions throughout the week of February 8–12, 2027. Once the 3MT application closes, applicants will be invited to sign up for a 5-minute time slot in one of the six preliminary round sessions. The selection of time slots is first come, first served.
Students must compete in a preliminary round session in order to qualify for the final competition. Preliminary round judges will score each student based on the official competition rules and judging criteria. Students will be notified by Friday, February 12, 2027, 5 p.m., if they have been selected for the final event.
2026 Competition
From top left to right: Dorsa Rezayat (Second Place Winner), Angel Perez Villa, Carlin Moore, Annie McGhee, Ramy Amin, Elham Hasani, Molly Winer, Fiona Wasson, Pankaj Rajdeo From bottom left to right: Tharushi Rajaguru, Esra Oz Cetindere (First Place Winner), Sara Alharbi, Amna Mira, Apala Biswas (Third Place Winner), Ipsita Gopal Kundu (People's Choice Winner)
Last year’s competition drew more than 100 applicants from every college with a graduate program, making it one of the most competitive events to date. After multiple preliminary rounds, 15 finalists advanced to the final competition.
The final competition brought a full house to Clifton Court Hall and reached standing-room-only capacity, with students, faculty, staff and community members gathering to support graduate scholarship and vote for the People’s Choice Award.
What Past Participants Say
Winning the 3MT competition was incredibly exciting, but I also really loved the process of getting there. Preparing for the competition gave me a new way to look at my own research and think about what I truly wanted people to take away from it. I learned how to tell the story of my work in a simple and engaging way. I still carry that experience with me, and I even find myself using parts of my 3MT speech when I talk about my research today. I would encourage any graduate student to participate in 3MT. It’s three minutes you’ll remember.
Esra Oz Cetindere, 2026 First Place Winner
Contact Us
Questions about the Three Minute Thesis Competition? Email the Graduate College 3MT organizers with questions.