Three Minute Thesis (3MT)
Are you a PhD student who wants an opportunity to reach out widely with your research and also have the opportunity to win SEK 15,000 to use within your doctoral studies? In mid-March each year, Uppsala University organises a Three Minute Thesis competition (3MT). The aim is to succeed in communicating your research in a clear, inspiring and easy-to-understand way in three minutes to an audience without specialist knowledge.
3MT is about communicating research results, not just research plans. You need to be admitted to doctoral studies in any field of science at Uppsala University - but you should not have defended your thesis at the time of the competition.
Spots are limited, so make sure to sign up while there’s still space.
Why participate?
Potential personal and professional gains:
- Win prize money to use within the framework of your doctoral studies
- Practice communication and how to present your research in a quick, simple and understandable way.
- Increase the visibility of your research within and outside Uppsala University
- Build networks with other doctoral students and researchers.
- Get the opportunity to compete further in international competitions organized by Coimbra Group, SANORD and Matariki.
What is Three Minute Thesis (3MT)?
Three Minute Thesis (3MT) is an international concept where you as a doctoral student get to present your research in three minutes to a general audience. The format comes from the University of Queensland in Australia.
- You are allowed to use a single PowerPoint slide.
- The presentation will be held in English.
- The assessment is based on clarity, structure, commitment and communication skills
The 3MT competition is currently arranged at over 900 universities in more than 80 countries. Through its collaborations, Uppsala University participates in competitions within the Coimbra Group, SANORD and Matariki.
3MT at Uppsala University
- Registration of interest opens a few months before the competition
- The number of spots is limited, and registration is on a first‑come, first‑served basis
- We offer coaching prior to the competition
- The competition takes place live in mid-March every year. The contributions are recorded.
- The jury consists of representatives from Uppsala University
- The winner and the second prize winner will receive SEK 15,000 and SEK 7,500 respectively to use within the framework of their doctoral studies
- The best entries have the opportunity to go on to international competitions
- This year's competition took place on March 18th in the New Boardroom in the University Main Building
International 3MT Competitions
The best entries in Uppsala University's Three Minute Thesis competition will have the opportunity to compete further in the 3MT competitions organized by Coimbra Group, SANORD and Matariki. If you get a place in the final, you will receive compensation for travel and accommodation.
The Coimbra final will take place on site during the 2026 Annual Conference in Granada, Spain. Coimbra Three Minute Thesis (3MT)
The Matariki network organizes an online final in October 2026. Matariki Three Minute Thesis (3MT)
SANORD's final will take place on site during the 2026 Annual Conference at the University of Namibia. SANORD Three Minute Thesis (3MT)
