3MT Competition 2024 – SUSL

The Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, with permission from the University of Queensland is organizing the Three-minute thesis competition (3MT) in line with the Annual Research Sessions (2024).

Why 3MT is important?

The Three-minute thesis competition (3MT) is developed by the University of Queensland (UQ), and it helps to develop students’ academic, presentation, and research communication skills. Presenting in a 3MT competition increases their capacity to effectively explain their research in three minutes, in a language appropriate to a non-specialist audience. By introducing 3MT for Sabaragamuwa University we believe that multiciliary scholar engagement could be developed promoting new research areas to be investigated. This further strengthen the research capabilities of the university in new dimensions. Finally, 3MT is quite vibrant and enjoyable for scientific community at SUSL.

The deadline for registering this event is 10th November 2024.

3MT Competition will be conducted only on Physical mode.

  • To be eligible, an applicant must:

    1. be a permanent/ temporary academic staff member of Sabaragamuwa university of Sri Lanka or postgraduate student of the faculty of graduate studies, Sabaragamuwa university of Sri Lanka; and
    2. be in the second or higher year of an MPhil or a PhD program or have completed the MPhil or PhD degree between December 2023, and December 2024.

    • A single static PowerPoint slide is permitted. No slide transitions, animations or 'movement' of any description are allowed. 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 (e.g. 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 either movement or speech.
    • The decision of the adjudicating panel is final.

  • Competitor will be assessed on the judging criteria listed below. Each criterion is equally weighted and has an emphasis on audience.

    Comprehension and content
    • Presentation provided clear background and significance to the research question
    • Presentation provided clear positionality of the presenter to the research and research approach
    • Presentation clearly described the research strategy/design and the results/findings of the research
    • Presentation clearly described the conclusions, outcomes and impact of the research

    Engagement and communication
    • The oration was delivered clearly, and the language was appropriate for a non-specialist audience
    • The PowerPoint slide was well-defined and enhanced the presentation
    • The presenter conveyed enthusiasm for their research and captured and maintained the audience’s attention

  • The first and second winners of the competition will be awarded an attractive financial award as an appreciation.

    All participants will receive a university certificate as an appreciation.

  • Register for the competition using the following google form on or before 10th November 2024.

  • Mr. K. K. D. Waruna S. Kannangara (Chair) waruna@geo.sab.ac.lk

    Dr. Duminda R. Welikanna (Co-Chair)drw@geo.sab.ac.lk