Student brilliance in action: Attend the Three-Minute Thesis Competition

The Graduate College invites the University of Cincinnati community to witness an electrifying scholarly showdown in the Three Minute Thesis Competition. A selection of adept and astute graduate students will showcase the fruits of their studies through compelling and concise storytelling.

On the line: cash prizes, bragging rights and a chance to represent UC at the 2025 Midwestern Association of Graduate Schools’ regional competition.

Created by the University of Queensland in Australia in 2008, the competition challenges students to present their research and scholarship in an effective, concise and intriguing manner using a single PowerPoint slide within a three-minute time limit. With these restrictions, students are tasked to disseminate their research to a non-specialist audience. 

“UC's graduate students put countless hours of energy into developing projects that could change the world,” said Caitie Norie, Graduate College program manager for professional development.

• Contestants are limited to a single static PowerPoint slide.
• A maximum of three minutes to present.
• No video, sound, or special effects/animations.
• Presentations are to be spoken word. 
• No additional props.

Only three can remain. Three students ranked first through third, as adjudicated by a panel of judges, will be awarded cash prizes from the Graduate College.

• 1st Place: $1,000 prize and registration to compete in the regional competition.

• 2nd Place: $750 prize

• 3rd Place: $500 prize

The audience will have their own award to adjudicate, the People’s Choice Award. The audience will judge and determine which contestant stood out above the rest for a $1,000 prize. Any student who places first through third will be eligible to win the People’s Choice Award

“Being able to communicate science to non-specialists is a valuable asset for any academic,” Graduate College Dean and Vice Provost Rose Marie Ward said.

“The professional development of all graduate students is a core tenet of the Graduate College’s mission, and we are immensely proud of the hard work of our graduate students. The competition is a testament to their commitment to and enthusiasm for the research process. This event is more than competition — it’s a celebration of the brilliance of our graduate students.”

As the competition approaches, students are refining and perfecting their presentations through competition workshops and preliminary rounds, ensuring they’re well prepared and poised to deliver a box-office spectacle.  Don’t miss this high-stakes event — where research coincides with storytelling, to observe our budding researchers and scholars put their hard work on display.

Featured image at top: Students such as 2024 winner Nicole Pek will take the stage Feb. 26 to share their work in UC's Three Minute Thesis Competition. Photo/Provided