Three Minute Thesis (3MT)

Don't miss this opportunity to grow your research communication skills, get your research noticed, and make new friends.

Four doctoral candidates smiling and taking a selfie at the University of Auckland's Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Final..

What is 3MT?

The Three Minute Thesis (3MT) is an academic research communication competition developed by the University of Queensland. More than 900 universities in 85 countries take part in this exciting, fast-paced, annual event.

In a 3MT competition, doctoral candidates share the story of their research with a general audience in under three minutes, supported by only a single, static slide. 

The University of Auckland 3MT competition is brought to you by the School of Graduate Studies (SGS). Faculty Heats take place in June each year, with the winners qualifying for the University of Auckland 3MT Final in July.

The winner of the University of Auckland 3MT Final goes on to represent the University internationally in the Asia-Pacific Virtual 3MT Competition and the U21 Virtual 3MT Competition.

3MT Faculty Heats

Click on the links below to enter your Faculty Heat.

Note: You can apply to enter the online Open Heat if you are registered as an off-campus doctoral candidate, or you are from a faculty/LSRI which is not holding a heat (e.g. Liggins), or you have exceptional circumstances (e.g. unwell or travelling).

3MT Heats Date  Registration link
Business & Economics / Law Mon 8 June Book here
Arts & Education Tues 9 June Book here
Science Wed 10 June Book here
FMHS Thurs 18 June Book here
Engineering & Design Thurs 25 June Book here
Open Heat Mon 29 June Book here
University of Auckland Final Fri 17 July  

Training

We recommend you sign up for the training as soon as you have entered your Faculty Heat. If you're not sure yet if you want to enter, you can sign up for the training anyway, and then decide afterwards.

Crafting your Research Elevator Pitch workshop

This is an essential training session for anyone who will be taking part in a 3MT Faculty Heat. Don't miss out! Register for one of the following Zoom sessions:

3MT Feedback session

This is a great opportunity for you to practise! Test out your presentation in front of a small, supportive audience at City Campus, and get tips on how to improve your talk and slides. Book early to avoid disappointment:

Doctoral candidate Patricia Pillay, from the Faculty of Arts and Education, taking part in the University of Auckland's Three Minute Thesis (3M) Final in 2025.

Resources

Helpful resources

Watch videos of previous 3MT winners

2025 Winner: Noah Bunkley (FMHS)
2025 People's Choice: Ross Millar (Faculty of Science)

2024 Winner: Inka Pleiss (Faculty of Science)
2024 Runner-up: Isurie Akarawita (Faculty of Engineering)
2024 People's Choice: Logan Ritchie (ABI)

2023 Winner: Cam Hoffbeck (Faculty of Science)
2023 Runner-up: Anantha Narayanan (Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences)

How 3MT works

If you will be taking part in a 3MT faculty heat at the University of Auckland, it's important that you download this PDF to read the competition rules, judging criteria, entry terms and conditions, and competition structure.

Doctoral candidate Noah Bunkley taking part in the University of Auckland's Three Minute Thesis (3M) Final in 2025.

Prizes

At the University of Auckland 3MT Final on Friday 17 July, prizes will be awarded to the winner, runner-up and people's choice:
 
  • Citizen Watches
  • Monetary prizes from Alumni Relations and Development
  • E-vouchers from Auckland University Press
  • Gym memberships at Hiwa from Sport and Recreation
  • Clothing from Campus Store