The Lister Family Engaged Science 3-Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition is open to all Master’s and Doctoral students from the Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. Competitors present in English only.Â
Rules
- 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 when a presenter starts their presentation through either movement or speech.
- The decision of the adjudicating panel is final.
Judging
Judges should be selected from diverse disciplinary backgrounds. They evaluate presenters on the following criteria.
Comprehension and content
- Did the presentation provide an understanding of the background to the research question being addressed and its significance?
- Did the presentation clearly describe the key results of the research including conclusions and outcomes?
- Did the presentation follow a clear and logical sequence?
- Was the thesis topic, key results and research significance and outcomes communicated in language appropriate to a non-specialist audience?
- Did the speaker avoid scientific jargon, explain terminology and provide adequate background information to illustrate points?
- Did the presenter spend adequate time on each element of their presentation - or did they elaborate for too long on one aspect or was the presentation rushed?
Engagement and communication
- Did the oration make the audience want to know more?
- Was the presenter careful not to trivialise or generalise their research?
- Did the presenter convey enthusiasm for their research?
- Did the presenter capture and maintain their audience's attention?
- Did the speaker have sufficient stage presence, eye contact and vocal range; maintain a steady pace, and have a confident stance?
- Did the PowerPoint slide enhance the presentation - was it clear, legible, and concise?
Prizes
The judges determine the winners for 1rst place, 2nd place, and 3rd place. The audience selects their favourite by casting a vote for the People’s Choice Award during the live event. Thanks to the generous support of the Lister Family Engaged Science Initiative, their will be a cash prize for each of the 4 winners.
Schedule
September - October: Call for applicants
October - November: Training for all competitors
November: 3MT Competition
Training Program
The training program includes a 3-part workshop series, a group coaching session, as well as optional individual coaching sessions to help students prepare for the competition.
±«ÓãÖ±²¥'s 3MT/MT180
In the Winter Semester, ±«ÓãÖ±²¥ holds the 3-Minute Thesis Competion (English) and Ma thèse en 180 secondes (French). This ±«ÓãÖ±²¥ competition is open to all Master’s and Doctoral students. Winners in the final competition represent ±«ÓãÖ±²¥ at the CAGS (Canadian Association of Graduate Studies) 3MT Eastern regional finals and concours Acfas (Association francophone pour le savoir) Ma thèse en 180 secondes. Learn more about ±«ÓãÖ±²¥'s 3MT/MT180
This program is automatically recognized on your ±«ÓãÖ±²¥ co-curricular record (CCR),  a document recognizing students' learning outside the classroom. Learn more about the CCR