An 80,000 word thesis would take 9 hours to present; how about in just 3 minutes with the aid of a single slide?

We are inviting DPhil students to do just that. The 3 Minute Thesis competition challenges doctoral candidates to present a compelling spoken presentation on their research topic and its significance in just three minutes to a non-specialist audience.

The competition will help you to develop your communication skills, vital to raise awareness of your work, seek support and obtain funding. You will be able to develop ways of explaining complex ideas in a way that is accessible and engaging for a non-specialist audience, raise the profile of your work, enhance your CV, and network with like-minded researchers.

Oxford will run a two-stage competition, first the heat to select four finalists. Next the final to find the overall winner. The winner of the Oxford final will be entered into the national semi-finals, and if they are successful they will go on to the national final in Birmingham, with their expenses paid to attend.

Up to 4 finalists will all be awarded a prize:

1st prize: £200
Runner-up prizes: £100
There are also prizes for winners in the national final: last year’s winner was awarded a £3,000 grant to spend on public engagement activity, sponsored by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) to promote their research and to enhance their professional development.

At the heat you will deliver your Three Minute Thesis to a panel of judges. See rules below. Finalists will then be selected to present at the final on 19 June, 5-6pm at the Manor Road Building.

By registering for the heat you confirm that you are available to attend the final on 19 June and are eligible: www.mpls.ox.ac.uk/public-engagement/latest/three-minute-thesis-competition-launched-deadline-25-may-training-sessions-available-in-march/#eligibility

If you don’t want to compete or want to invite your colleagues, please just show up.

Specialist training is available for all to help you develop your pitch. You will be taken through the key ingredients to craft a compelling three minute presentation, and have the chance to get feedback on your presentations. Simply register for a session to suit:

25 March, 09.30am-12.30pm Manor Road Building – register: cosy.ox.ac.uk/accessplan/clientinput/course/coursebooker.aspx?coursedateid=95410
OR
27 March, 1.30pm – 4.30pm, Manor Road Building – register: cosy.ox.ac.uk/accessplan/clientinput/course/coursebooker.aspx?coursedateid=95411