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TRANSLATING YOUR SCIENCE

This page holds a few resources to help you develop your 3 minute presentation as well as some tips on presenting your work starting with Dr Darshini Ayton’s quick tips on how to present!

program

DATE: Tuesday 3rd May 2022
TIME: 10AM to 12PM (AEST)
LOCATION: The Forum, Melbourne Connect

Stay tuned for our latest program updates as we get closer to the event!

Key Rules

Some critical rules to keep in mind when you’re developing your presentation:

  • A single static PowerPoint slide is permitted. No slide transitions, animations or ‘movement’ of any description are allowed. The slide is to be presented from the beginning of the oration.
  • No additional electronic media (e.g. sound and video files) are permitted.
  • No additional props (e.g. costumes, musical instruments, laboratory equipment) are permitted.
  • Presentations are limited to 3 minutes maximum and competitors exceeding 3 minutes are disqualified.
  • Presentations are to be spoken word (e.g. no poems, raps or songs).
  • Presentations are to commence from the stage.
  • Presentations are considered to have commenced when a presenter starts their presentation through either movement or speech.
  • The decision of the adjudicating panel is final.

Judging criteria

Competitors have 3 minutes to talk about what their research is all about and our Consumers will be judging presentations. It’s important to keep the following criteria in mind as our Consumers are general members of the public with no prior scientific knowledge:

1. Comprehension:

  • Did the presentation help the audience understand the research?
  • Did the presenter clearly outline the nature and aims of research?
  • Do you know what is significant about this research?
  • Did the presentation follow a logical sequence?

2. Engagement:

  • Did the oration make the audience want to know more?
  • Was the presenter careful not to trivialise or dumb down their research?
  • Did the presenter convey enthusiasm for their work?
  • Did the presenter capture and maintain their audience’s attention?

3. Communication style:

  • Was the topic and its significance communicated in language appropriate to a non-specialist audience?
  • Did the speaker use sufficient eye contact and vocal range, maintain a steady pace, and a confident stance?
  • Did the speaker avoid scientific jargon, explain terminology that needed to be used, and provide adequate background information to illustrate points?
  • Did the presenter spend the right amount of time on each element of their presentation – or did they elaborate for too long or were rushed? 
  • Did the PowerPoint slide enhance, rather than detract from, their presentation – was it clear, legible, and concise?

Previous winners

Get some inspiration for your presentation and gauge the level of quality by browsing through past winners of the 3MT competition. *Note we’ve listed winners from 2019 which were the last competitors to compete in-person before the pandemic! 2019 UQ 3MT Final Winner – Cody Frear from Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) on Vimeo.   Three Minute Thesis Competition (3MT®) Grand Final 2019    

COVID safety

Please be aware that we will have a COVID Marshall at this event to ensure all guests and staff comply with the University’s COVIDSafe policies.

COVID-Safe Protocols

As with all public events there are a few COVID Safe protocols that we need to ensure are followed. They include reading the list of actions at the bottom of this email and staying home if any of them apply to you. We also require you to please check in via the QR code when you arrive. Many of you will be familiar with this process by now, and if you need any help our staff will be on hand to assist you check in. Keep an eye out for the QR code stations.

 

COVIDSafe Event InformationUniversity of Melbourne COVIDSafe event guidelines are in place for this event. We require guests to comply at all times with Department of Health regulations as well as instructions, procedures and advice from University of Melbourne and Melbourne Connect event support staff. Attendance at this event means that you agree to:

  • QR Code sign in, and show proof of vaccination status
  • Complete a symptom self-assessment prior to leaving home
  • Not come to the event if you are unwell, even with very mild symptoms
  • Maintain an appropriate distance from others where possible during the event
  • Follow directions for face coverings and hygiene during the event
  • If you become unwell while attending the event, you will immediately notify event organisers then leave the event and follow University of Melbourne COVID-19 testing and notification advice including seeking medical advice and testing