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SBU 3MT
Three Minutes. One Slide. Your Research.
Captivate a general audience with your discovery. Join the academic research communication competition.Key Dates
Application Deadline
Thursday, January 29, 2026
Competition Date
Friday, March 13, 2026
What Is the Three Minute Thesis (3MT®)?
Three Minute Thesis, or 3MT® for short, is a spoken word thesis competition, developed by The University of Queensland (UQ), Australia. The 3MT® is an opportunity for SBU graduate students to present their dissertation research findings to a general audience in three minutes with only one PowerPoint slide. The goal is for students to engage all their communication skills to make their research vivid and engaging while emphasizing its key point without jargon, and gain professional development along the way.
At Stony Brook, our students craft their talks as part of a cohort, undergoing coaching from research communication experts grounded in techniques from the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science.
Expert Coaching
Receive individualized coaching grounded in techniques from the Alda Center. Hone your skills in a supportive peer group.
Broad Impact
Translate complex jargon into vivid, engaging stories. Share your dissertation findings with a general audience.
Cash Prizes
Compete for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place cash awards, plus a People's Choice award. Sponsored by the SBU Alumni Association.
Eligibility
- SBU Doctoral Students who have advanced to candidacy (G5 or equivalent) by the speaker sign-up deadline;
- Are enrolled full-time in Spring 2026 and in good standing;
- Have advanced in their dissertation to a stage where findings, preliminary conclusions, and broader impact can be discussed;
- Must have dissertation advisor support; and
- Commit to 3 coaching sessions.
Students may only participate in 3MT once.
Note: The 2026 SBU 3MT competition will once again feature a Postdoc Spotlight round, showcasing the innovative and invaluable research contributions of Stony Brook postdocs.
Competition Guidelines
1
The Slide
A single, static PowerPoint slide is permitted. No slide transitions, animations, or movement.
2
The Time
Strictly three minutes maximum. Exceeding the time limit results in disqualification.
3
The Speech
Spoken word (e.g., no poems, raps, or songs). Must be distinct and audible.
Ready to Share Your Research?
We invite graduate students across disciplines to bring their research to life on stage at the 2026 SBU 3MT Competition. Don’t miss your chance to participate.
All faculty, staff, and students are also encouraged to attend this engaging and insightful competition to witness impactful research presentations and expand your knowledge.
Speaker applications are due January 29, 2026