Share your research with the world—fast.

Present your thesis or original research in three minutes using one static slide for a non-specialist audience. Open to all master’s and PhD students conducting their own research.

Register: Present in 3MT
View Past Winners

Key Dates

  • September 19 - Info Session (Watch the Recording)
  • October 10 - Registration Deadline (11:59 PM CT)
  • October 16-17 - Preliminary Rounds
  • November 13 - Finals & Awards

 

How to Participate

1. Learn & Prepare: Attend the 3MT Info Session (Sept 19, virtual) and sign up for optional prep workshops.
2. Register: Deadline Oct 10, 2025. Preliminary rounds Oct 16–17.
3. After You Register: Access the 3MT ICON course for full competition details.

Improve Your Presentation

The Graduate College hosts a series of optional workshops to help competitors prepare their presentations:

  • Narrating Research: Mastering the 3MT for Humanities and Social Sciences - September 26 at 2 pm (virtual)
  • Science in a Nutshell: Distilling Physical and Health Science Research - September 26 at 2 pm (virtual)
  • 3MT Office Hours - October 3 at 2 pm (in-person)
  • Speaking Confidently: Elevate Your Stage Presence and Practice Your Pitch - October 10 at 2 pm (in-person)

Register for 3MT Workshops

Register

Prizes

  • All finalists receive $250
  • Additional awards (added on top of the finalist award):
    • Winner (Judge’s Choice): +$1,000 and eligibility for regional 3MT competition
    • Honorable Mention: +$500
    • People’s Choice: +$250
    • Dean’s Cup: Award to the winning competitor’s department

Judging Criteria

Winners will be determined by a panel of judges using the official 3MT competition rubrics to judge the presentations. Judges will be invited from the University of Iowa faculty and staff, previous 3MT winners, and the local community.

Comprehension & Content
  • Did the presentation provide an understanding of the background to the research question being addressed and its significance?
  • Did the presentation clearly describe the key results of the research including conclusions and outcomes?
  • Did the presentation follow a clear and logical sequence?
  • Was the thesis topic, key results and research significance and outcomes communicated in language appropriate to a non-specialist audience?
  • Did the speaker avoid scientific jargon, explain terminology and provide adequate background information to illustrate points?
  • Did the presenter spend adequate time on each element of their presentation - or did they elaborate for too long on one aspect or was the presentation rushed?

Engagement & Communication
  • Did the oration make the audience want to know more?
  • Was the presenter careful not to trivialize or generalize their research?
  • Did the presenter convey enthusiasm for their research?
  • Did the presenter capture and maintain their audience's attention?
  • Did the speaker have sufficient stage presence, eye contact and vocal range; maintain a steady pace, and have a confident stance?
  • Did the PowerPoint slide enhance the presentation - was it clear, legible, and concise?