Online Three Minute Research @ UNI

Present your research

The Online Three Minute Research competition is styled after the 3MT® academic research competition developed by The University of Queensland (UQ), Australia. The competition challenges graduate students to summarize their research in three minutes or less. This remote competition will give our online and distance education students access to participate in this professional development opportunity and share their work.

Interested students can register for the competition here.

Save the Date

2023-24 submissions are due on March 11, 2024.

Eligibility

Students must be enrolled in an online graduate program eligible to compete in the competition.
The presentation topic must cover the student's original research.
Students must be enrolled in classes or continuous registration during the semester of the competition.

Awards

First Place: $400
Second Place: $200
People's Choice: $100

Awards will be paid through the student’s U-Bill and become part of their financial aid package during the semester of the competition.

Entering 3MR

Any student, regardless of whether they are completing a thesis for their degree, may enter the competition with their original research. Please submit the registration form no later than the specified due date. More information will be communicated to you after registration.

First Round

Students may use one static PowerPoint slide to enhance their presentation. A pre-recorded video of the presentation should be submitted by Monday, March 11th. Judges will evaluate the submissions and select the top four to advance to the live final round. The final four will be announced at a later date.

Final Round

The final round will be on Thursday, March 21, 2024, time TBA. Students will present their research live to an audience and the judges via Zoom, then the judges will deliberate and announce the first and second prize winners. The audience will vote for their People’s Choice award.

Preparation & Keys to Success

What are the rules?

Research presented must have been conducted at the University of Northern Iowa and be the student's original research. Presentations must be completely oral (no poems, raps, or songs; spoken word only) and are limited to three minutes maximum. Presentations exceeding three minutes will be disqualified. Presentations commence upon the presenter starting through movement or speech. Once time is up, the presenter must stop.

Do I need to be on a thesis track?

No, your presentation just needs to be original research.

Do I have to memorize my presentation?

Yes, note cards or teleprompters are not permitted during the presentation. This will be enforced during the recorded and live rounds.

What should be included on my slide?

Content will vary depending on the topic and manner of research; less is more. The content should enhance your oral presentation, not distract from it.

Can I use quotes or statistical examples?

Yes, quotes and statistics are permitted so long as they are properly attributed to its primary source.

How will my presentation be judged?

Participants will submit a recording for judging during the first round. Students selected to advance will compete in a final, live heat. The judges’ decision is final.

Does my data collection need to be finalized to participate?

You can be at any stage of the process you and your research advisor deems acceptable.

Are EdD students eligible to participate?

Yes! EdD students are eligible to participate.

Examples & Further Reading

UNI's 2021 First Place Winner: Emma Newton, Communication & Media
UNI's 2021 Second-Place Winner: Rachel McDonell, Biology
University of Queensland Example
MAGS Competition Website