Laney Graduate School’s 3MT and Master’s Showcase

Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) is an academic competition developed by The University of Queensland (UQ) Australia in which PhD candidates explain their research to a non-specialist audience in three minutes or less. Since its founding in 2008, 3MT® is now offered at over 900 universities in more than 85 countries, with winners going on to compete in regional and national events. According to 3MT’s updated international competition rules, competitors must be PhD candidates.

The Master's Showcase is a new opportunity for LGS master's students to share their research in three minutes or less with a broad audience in the Emory community and beyond.

Participating in the 3MT® Competition and Master’s Showcase strengthens graduate students’ academic, presentation, and research communication skills and gives students experience in sharing the significance of their research with multiple audiences.

Apply to Participate

Why participate in 3MT or the Master's Showcase?

3MT at Emory

The competition is judged by a panel comprised of a diverse group of professionals (academic and non-academic) with a wide range of professional expertise. 

2025 3MT Timeline

How It Works

Presentation Rules

• A single static PowerPoint slide is permitted (no slide transitions, animations or 'movement' of any description, 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 (eg. 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 movement or speech.
• The decision of the adjudicating panel is final.