Three Minute Thesis® Competition

Abstract: The Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) is an academic research communication competition developed by The University of Queensland (UQ), Australia, which “cultivates students’ academic, presentation, and research communication skills. The competition supports their capacity to effectively explain their research in three minutes, in a language appropriate to a non-specialist audience.” In three minutes or less, using only one static slide, and no other props, contestants deliver their presentation to a panel of non-specialist judges. These judges rank the contestants, based on how engaging, accessible, and compelling they made their presentation. A candidate who goes over time is disqualified. Full rules may be seen at the University of Queensland site: https://threeminutethesis.uq.edu.au/resources/competition-rules .

What is 3MT®?
For the first time, IEEE MAPCON 2024 is pleased to introduce the Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) Competition! This exciting new event is open to students whose papers are accepted for either oral or poster presentation, offering them the chance to showcase their research in a thrilling, fast-paced format. It’s a unique challenge that pushes students to hone their communication skills and distill their complex, cutting-edge research into a clear, engaging, and compelling story in just three minutes with one static slide that any non-specialist can understand.

Such skills, namely, clarity of communication without oversimplifying or resorting to jargon and the ability to engage a diverse audience with authenticity and enthusiasm, become lifetime assets for the career advancement of any professional. Once such skills are mastered, they are transferrable to virtually any professional career path.

Who can attend?
We encourage all MAPCON attendees to attend the Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) competition. You’re sure to learn from our students—and maybe you’ll take away some tips for communicating your own research!

3MT® Goals
The 2024 3MT® Competition is designed to spark excitement and curiosity about the diverse applications of microwave, antennas, and propagation research! This competition aims to renew public interest in these transformative technologies by showcasing how they shape our daily lives, from the devices we use to the innovations driving our future. By highlighting the real-world impact of this research, the 3MT® will inspire both current and future generations—showing that the field is rewarding for those who study it and everyone who benefits from the cutting-edge technologies incorporated into consumer products. Get ready to be part of an event that celebrates the power of science to change the world!

MAPCON 2024 3MT® Committee
Erin Kiley, Co-chair: emkiley@mcla.edu
Amit Kumar Singh, Co-chair: amitkumarcareiitd@gmail.com