GCC 3MT Competition

The 3MT Competition is an academic competition that challenges Masters and PhD students to describe their research to a general audience within three minutes. The 3MT Competition celebrates the discoveries made by graduate students and encourages them to communicate the importance of their research to the broader community.

This is a unique opportunity to celebrate Qatar's graduate students and to highlight the many opportunities for graduate study available here in Qatar.

Qatar University has successfully conducted this event since 2019 at the national level. In 2024, Qatar University is hosting the first GCC 3MT Competition. In the inaugural event, the following universities are participating:

1. Qatar University (organizer)
2. King Abdulaziz University
3. King Abdulla University of Science and Technology
4. King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals
5. King Saud University
6. Khalifa University
7. United Arab Emirates University
8. American University of Sharjah
9. University of Kuwait
10. Sultan Qaboos University
11. University of Bahrain
12. Qatar Finance and Business Academy (QFBA) Northumbria University

The 3MT Competition was founded by The University of Queensland in 2008. The idea for the competition came about at a time when the state of Queensland was suffering severe drought. To conserve water, residents were encouraged to time their showers, and many people had a three-minute egg timer fixed to the wall in their bathroom. The then Dean of the UQ Graduate School, Emeritus Professor Alan Lawson, put two and two together and the idea for the Three Minute Thesis (3MT™) competition was born. Today, the 3MT is a worldwide competition with more than 1,000 participating institutions from 85 countries. Qatar University has proudly been among this list since 2015.

For more details about the history and timeline of 3MT and for information on how to hold a 3MT, visit Three Minute Thesis at University of Queensland.

The GCC 3MT Competition aims to:

• Celebrate graduate students' achievements across the GCC
• Disseminate graduate research within the region
• Encourage prospective students to pursue graduate education
• Provide networking opportunities

• First Place: QR20,000, Certificate
• Second Place: QR15,000, Certificate
• Third Place: QR10,000, Certificate
• People's Choice Award (audience voted): Certificate

Presentations may be in Arabic or English.

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

• 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?
• To view sample 3MT presentations from previous winners, please visit https://threeminutethesis.uq.edu.au/watch-3mt
• For more information on the history and rules of the 3MT competition, please visit https://threeminutethesis.uq.edu.au/

For additional questions, please contact:

Graduate Learning Support, The Office of Graduate Studies, Qatar University

Email: gls@qu.edu.qa