Three Minute Thesis competition 2025 opens 27th of January!
The Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition was developed by the University of Queensland to celebrate the exciting research conducted by doctoral research students. Since the inaugural event at the University of Queensland in 2008 the popularity of the competition has reached truly global heights with 900 universities holding events across 85 countries.
In 2025, The Academy will host the third annual competition at Liverpool to decide who will represent the University of Liverpool at the national 3MT competition run by Vitae.
Check here for updates on the University 3MT grand final to be held on the 18th of June, 2025 and how to book your place!
Why should I take part?
"The Three Minute Thesis provides a fantastic opportunity for PGRs to communicate their research and hone their presentation skills as part of an international competition. I hugely enjoyed last year's Liverpool 3MT final and the finalists' presentations reflected the extraordinary quality of the research conducted by our PGR community. I would encourage all Liverpool PGRs to consider submitting an entry to 3MT 2025 and to engage with the support available from The Academy." Official endorsement from Pro Vice Chancellor Professor Tim Jones.
Participation in the competition has the following benefits:
- Develop your presentation and public speaking skills
- Develop your research communication and public engagement skills
- Represent your Department, School, Institute and Faculty
- Networking opportunities
- The winner will represent the University of Liverpool at the National Vitae 3MT competition
- Raise your own researcher profile
- Prizes to be won
- Watch the videos of the 2023 and 2024 finalists and winners, and learn more about their work here.
Competition 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 considered to have commenced when a presenter starts their presentation through either movement or speech.
- The decision of the adjudicating panel is final.
Key Dates and Information
12th February 2025: 3MT Introductory Session (Online) 2pm
The Academy Researcher Development team and 2024 UoL 3MT winner Dina-Leigh Simons will provide a Three Minute Thesis Introductory session online on 12th February 2025. This session will cover all aspects of the University of Liverpool competition process, including eligibility and how to enter. This session will be recorded and made available online for those who cannot attend live. Come along to hear the 2024 winners guide to creating a fantastic 3MT presentation! Book your place here.
(This session will be recorded and added here on the 17th February)
25th March 2025: Three Minute Thesis workshop
Dr Jamie Gallagher, public engagement expert and former international 3MT winner and Fame Lab runner up, will provide a workshop on 25th March to help to prepare PGRs to enter the UoL 3MT competition. This workshop will offer guidance on presentation narrative, slide design, and presentation style. Book your place here.
Dr Jamie Gallagher has captured his top tips for producing a winning 3MT presentation in the following four videos:
Drop-In Sessions
In order to help you produce your application, and to make sure the process is as accessible as possible to everyone interested in applying, we will be holding two drop-in sessions on 1st April as we move toward the deadline of 5pm on 11th April 2025.
- The two online drop in sessions will take place on Tuesday 1st April 2025 from 10am-11am and from 2pm-3pm on Zoom - link will be made available in the PGR Development Canvas module. If unable to access, please email researcher@liverpool.ac.uk
This is designed to be a short drop-in to allow you to ask any questions about the application process or creating your video.
11th April 2025, 5pm: Deadline to submit entry video for faculty heats
See how to enter section (below) for more information and guidance.
Early May 2025: Faculty heat winners announced
The winner of each faculty will receive a £50 voucher.
Mid May 2025: 1:1 Individual coaching sessions for finalists
Each finalist will have 1:1 coaching session with Dr Jamie Gallagher, former international 3MT winner and public engagement expert.
18th June 2025: University of Liverpool 3MT Final
This year the 3MT final will take place on the 18th of June, 2025!
Celebrate the exciting research conducted by postgraduate researchers at the University of Liverpool and watch the finalists battle it out to be crowned the 3MT® champion. The winner will receive the prize of a £100 Amazon voucher and will go on to represent the University at the national Vitae competition.
Support our finalists and have your say on the day by voting for your favourite presentation for the people’s choice award, who will win a £50 Amazon voucher.
(Bookings will open for the final in February, 2025)
June 2025: University of Liverpool Winner 3MT® enters national competition hosted by Vitae
Please send any queries about how to join to researcher@liverpool.ac.uk and good luck with your applications!
How to enter
Find out how to enter the competition and eligibility requirements on our How to enter page. Registration to enter the competition opens on the 27th of January 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Back to: Researcher Hub