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Three Minute Thesis & Postdoctoral Slam

One slide, three minutes.

Guided Preparation

Research Presentation

Compete to win a Cash Prize

Register for Fall 2026 by September 14th

 

What is 3MT & Postdoc Slam?

The Three Minute Thesis (3MT) and Postdoc Slam programs are designed to help graduate students (3MT) and postdoctoral scholars (Postdoc Slam) develop the communication skills necessary to deliver a compelling oral presentation on the value and impact of their research to a broad, non-specialist audience.

As a research communication competition, the goal of the 3MT & Postdoc Slam is for graduate students/postdoctoral scholars to articulate the significance of their research without using:

  • Jargon
  • Field-specific terminology
  • Other language unfamiliar to those outside their fields of study

This competition hones the ability of trainees to quickly and effectively articulate the value of their research, which is a valuable skill  transferable to all professional settings.

The top three winners in both the Postdoc Slam and the Three Minute Thesis competition win cash prizes
1st place - $1,000
2nd place - $750
3rd place - $500

3MT and Postdoc Slam History

In 2008, the University of Queensland in Australia held the first official 3MT competition with 160 competitors in that first year.  More recently, the 3MT program has spread to over 85 participating countries worldwide.  The University of Utah Graduate School began holding 3MT competitions in 2013. 

In 2026, the Graduate School is proud to announce it will be holding the first annual joint 3MT and Postdoc Slam competition, bringing this professional development opportunity to all University of Utah postdoctoral scholars

3MT & Postdoc Slam Eligibility

All participants must commit to participating in the following:

  • Orientation on Wednesday Sept 23rd - 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm
  • Guided Prep (1 1/2 hr sessions) during weeks Sept 28, Oct 5, and Oct 19
  • Semi Finals on Monday, Oct 26th
  • Finals during the week of Nov 8th

  • Must be currently matriculated as a student in a graduate (Master’s or PhD) or post-undergraduate professional degree program at the U of U, and be in good academic standing. 
  • Must be able to present on an advanced thesis, dissertation, or substantial research/scholarship project where you are the primary contributor (should have results/outcomes, though does not need to be completed).
  • Cannot be a past U of U 3MT winner.
  • Must be enrolled for Spring 2026 and expect to graduate in or after May 2026. Alumni are not eligible.
  • Must be willing to represent the University of Utah at the regional Western Association of Graduate Schools(WAGS) competition if selected as the university's 3MT competition winner.

  • Must be currently appointed as a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Utah at the time of entering the Postdoc Slam competition and through the end of November 2026.
  • Must present on individual, original research in any field.

 

 

3MT Videos

Participants from across campus competed against each other to determine who could give the most compelling summary of their dissertation or thesis in three minutes or less.  Enjoy these videos as a taste of the excellent graduate work being done at the University of Utah.

2023 Grad School 3MT Showcase

University of Utah 3MT Videos

2022 Regional 3MT Competition Video

Testimonials

"Although I did not win the competition, being selected as one of the finalists was a great experience. I’m glad I got to participate in it." - 2023 Showcase Finalist

"Francine was such a great facilitator and our group was very helpful at making each speech as effective as possible." - 2023 Showcase Finalist

"I liked the opportunity to practice public speaking, i.e. speaking in front of an audience. I also enjoyed meeting peers, getting feedback from them and thinking on how to explain my research in an easy, non too specific way." - 2023 Showcase Finalist

Last Updated: 8/21/26