University of Houston 3-Minute Thesis Competition

Fall 2025 3-Minute thesis

A 3-minute thesis, or 3MT®, is a skill development activity that challenges graduate students to explain their research project to a non-specialist audience in just three minutes. Besides the time limitation, students are also limited to a single static PowerPoint slide with no additional electronic media or props. Participating in a 3MT® competition comes with various benefits. The competition cultivates students’ academic, presentation, and research communication skills. Additionally, students increase their capability to communicate their research to a non-specialized audience. This year’s event will be live and in person with preliminary and final rounds in the Student Center Theater. The UH 3MT® competitor’s guide and 3MT® Examples are available to assist you in preparing for the 3MT competition.

Finalists for the competition will be selected from a preliminary round which will be held on TBD. The 3MT Finals will be held on TBD. A reception & awards ceremony will immediately follow the competition. All 3MT finalists will be eligible to receive scholarship awards ranging from $250 to $1000. You must be present at the Awards ceremony to receive a scholarship award.

Info Session: Getting Started with your 3MT Presentation

In this session, you will learn about this year’s virtual 3MT competition. Slide design and tips for communicating your research to a nonspecialist audience will be discussed. You will develop an elevator pitch that will be the starting point for your 3MT presentation.

Presented by Dr. Sarah Larsen, Vice Provost and Dean of the Graduate School.

Info session will be TBD, via Teams.

Students should register for the Info Session by TBD, 3MT Info Session Registration.

Submission Criteria

• • The graduate student applicant should have research experience and results, the ability to communicate their research to a lay audience and should be a registered graduate student (masters or doctoral level) in good academic standing.
  • Students should register by TBD.
  • If you have any questions, please contact gradschool@uh.edu
  • Media Release Form
    • After completing registration, please complete the media release and forward to the Graduate School at gradschool@uh.edu. The media release is required for participation in the competition.
  • Winners of the 3MT competition will receive awards ranging from $250 to $1000. The UH 3MT winner may compete at the regional competition hosted by the Conference of Southern Graduate Schools in the spring.

Register for the 3MT Competition in November

Important 3MT Dates

• Registration Deadline: TBD
  Time: TBD
• Preliminary Round: TBD
  Time: TBD
• Final Round: TBD
  Time: TBD

Past Graduate Research Showcase Events

• View Graduate research showcase events of past years