February 19, 2024

By Katya Hrichak

Think you can sum up your research in three minutes or less? Cornell research degree students are invited to participate in Cornell’s 2024 Three Minute Thesis (3MT), a competition that challenges research master’s and doctoral students to present a compelling story on their dissertation or thesis and its significance in just three minutes.

“It is so important that research degree students have the ability to practice communicating their findings publicly and succinctly,” said Kathryn J. Boor, dean of the Graduate School and vice provost for graduate education. “The 3MT is the perfect opportunity to practice these vital skills, which will help participating students in graduate school as well as in their future careers.”

Members of the Graduate School’s career and professional development team held an information session on January 31 for students interested in learning more about this year’s competition. The session included an overview of the 3MT registration, submission, and competition process. Anyone who was unable to attend live is invited to watch the information session recording, though it is not required for participation.

Students interested in participating in the competition will receive details about submitting their PowerPoint slide and video recording upon completing the registration form. Preliminary round submissions are due Friday, March 1 by 12 p.m. and will be judged by a panel of Cornell staff according to the rubric on the Cornell 3MT webpage. Participants should have carried out research for their thesis or dissertation.

Selected finalists will be invited to compete in a live, in-person round on Wednesday, March 20 on the Ithaca campus, with a panel of judges with connections to the Cornell community. Finalists will compete for a total of more than $2,500 in cash prizes and the opportunity to compete with other students from northeastern U.S. and Canadian universities.

Throughout the process, Executive Director for the Graduate School’s Careers Beyond Academia Susi Varvayanis will offer individual coaching for interested 3MT participants.

“Learning how to talk about research plainly and identify what will be of interest to a given audience are such useful strengths for graduate students to develop,” said Colleen McLinn, associate dean for professional development. “Whether giving a presentation at a conference, speaking with a potential employer, or even talking to a friend or family member, these skills can be drawn upon.”

Learn more about the 3MT and register to participate. Email questions to grad3mt@cornell.edu.