2026 Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition
Overview
In 2026, the Melbourne School of Population & Global Health (MSPGH) is running the 3MT MSPGH Heat on Tuesday 30 June. MSPGH Graduate Researchers interested in participating are asking to complete an online application form.
The 3MT MSPGH Heat provides graduate researchers with a pathway to the MDHS 3MT Final, and ultimately, the University of Melbourne 3MT Grand Final. As a special highlight this year, top scorers from the 3MT MSPGH Heat will be invited to present at Knowledge to Impact: Public Health in the Misinformation Era, a school event to be held on Wednesday, 22 July.
Why Join the Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition?
- Develop research communications skills
- Build confidence in public speaking and presentations
- Access training resources via workshops and the 3MT Canvas community
- Receive a Melbourne Graduate Researcher Certificate digital credential
- Build your network and form connections with peers
- Challenge yourself in an exciting competition, with a pathway to win prizes and represent the University of Melbourne in 3MT international
- Prizes for first and second place, and people’s choice award
- 3MT is a lot of fun!
Awards for the MSPGH Heat will include certificates and gift vouchers
- $150 - 1st place
- $ 100 - 2nd & 3rd place
- $ 100 - People’s Choice Award
Eligibility
- Active PhD and Professional Doctorate (Research) candidates (not on leave of absence)
- Passed confirmation milestone
- Candidates whose thesis is under examination at the date of the first presentation (i.e. heat / closing date of the video submissions) are eligible to participate in 3MT competitions at all levels, including the Asia-Pacific 3MT competition.
- Graduates, Professional Doctorate (coursework), and Masters (both coursework and MPhil) students are not eligible to compete.
Useful Information and Resources
You are strongly encouraged to explore the following resources:
- Three Minute Thesis (3MT)
- Information Session - 6 May
- Information Session - 26 June (repeat)
- RDU Resources
How to get involved
MSPGH Graduate Researchers interested in participating are asking to complete an online application form.
Please note: By entering this competition, you confirm that, if selected, you are available to present in-person at the 3MT events hosted by MSPGH, MDHS and the Research Development Unit
Key Timeline
Please note that the 3MT competition is held across three levels:
- 3MT MSPGH Heat – hosted by MSPGH
- 3MT MDHS Final – hosted by the Faculty
- 3MT UoM Grand Final – hosted by the Research Development Unit
| Date | Time | Activity or Deadline | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday 8 June 2026 | 11:59pm | 3MT MSPGH Heat - Applications close | Online |
Monday 15 June 2026 | 12pm-1:30pm | Presentation skills workshop with A/Prof Jen Martin
| In-person - Room B118, MSPGH Basement, 207 Bouverie Street |
| Thursday 25 June 2026 | By 5pm | PowerPoint slide due ahead of live event (if applicable) | Via Email |
| Tuesday 30 June 2026 | TBC | 3MT MSPGH Heat | In-person - Lecture Theatre 1, MSPGH Basement, 207 Bouverie Street |
Tuesday 14 July 2026 | 12pm-1pm | Presentation skills workshop (for 3MT MSPGH Heat top scorers) | In-person - Room B118, MSPGH Basement, 207 Bouverie Street |
| Wednesday 22 July 2026 | TBC | Whole of School event - further details to follow | In-person - B117, Melbourne School of Design |
| Wednesday 5 August 2026 | TBC | 3MT MDHS Final (One nominee from MSPGH to go through to the Faculty final) | In-person - Ian Potter Auditorium, Melbourne Brain Centre |
| 7 September 2026 | 1pm - 3pm | 3MT UoM Grand Final (One nominee from MDHS to go through to the University level final) | In-person - Melbourne Connect |
* A repeated session will be held on 26 June.
Questions?
Prof Timothy Adair is our MSPGH Academic Lead for 3MT. If you have questions about the MSPGH 3MT competition, please contact Tim at timothy.adair@unimelb.edu.au.
The Academic Programs Office is supporting the administration of this activity. If you have any questions related to the application process please contact mspgh-gr@unimelb.edu.au.