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UMD Three-Minute Thesis Competition

The 3MT competition challenges students to communicate the significance of their research projects to a non-specialist audience in just THREE MINUTES! The University of Maryland Graduate School invites graduate students from all disciplines to compete in the annual Three-Minute Thesis Competition (3MT). 

The first-round college-level competitions occur in March.  Winners from the first-round competitions win a college-level prize and advance to the final round 3MT competition.

Participation in the 3MT competition provides students with...

  • Experience in presentation skills and public speaking
  • Practice talking about their research to a non-specialists audience
  • Better perspective about how their research fits into the larger picture
  • An opportunity to learn how to showcase their work to prospective employers
  • Networking opportunities with students and faculty on campus
  • An overall positive experience that promotes academic and professional growth
  • Recognition and prizes

REGISTER FOR THE 2025 3MT COMPETITION HERE

Register by February 26, 2025

Important 2025 Dates for 3MT Participants

DATE EVENT
Feb. 26 Deadline to register for the 3MT Competition.
March 5 If college level first-round is virtual, deadline to submit 3MT video and slide.
March 5-31 College-level 3MT Competitions. College-level winners to be announced by March 31, 2025.
April 1-15 Semi-finalists prepare for final round competition.
April 16 Final Round 3MT Presentations (in-person). Winners and honorable mentions announced April 18, 2025

View the History and Overview of the 3MT Competition for more information.
View 3MT presentations from 2024 on this YouTube Recording.

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