Instructions for Presenters
3MT Competition
The rules and judging criteria for the AARES 3 Minute Thesis competition are based on those devised by the University of Queensland. Further information and tips can be found at http://threeminutethesis.org/
Competition Format and Timing
The 3MT competition will be held during the lunch break on Thursday, 12th February 2026.
Rules
Judging criteria
The winner will be chosen based on the following judging criteria:
Comprehension & Content
The rules and judging criteria for the AARES 3 Minute Thesis competition are based on those devised by the University of Queensland. Further information and tips can be found at http://threeminutethesis.org/
Competition Format and Timing
The 3MT competition will be held during the lunch break on Thursday, 12th February 2026.
- Start time: 12:50 pm
- Room: Riverbank 3
- Judging: A panel of judges will decide the overall winner and the runners-up of the 3MT competition
Rules
- 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.
- Presentation slides will be preloaded
- 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.
- A bell will be rung at 3 minutes, at which point the presenter must stop speaking and leave the stage immediately. The next presenter will begin straight away.
- Presentations are to be spoken word (eg. 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 winner (and two runners-up) will be announced at the closing ceremony of the conference. The winner will receive a $300 prize, and the two runners-up will receive $150 each.
- The decision of the adjudicating panel is final.
Judging criteria
The winner will be chosen based on the following judging criteria:
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?
- Did the oration make the audience want to know more?
- Was the presenter careful not to trivialise or generalise 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?