3MT® Competitor Toolkit
We are so excited that you are planning to compete in the Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) Competition!
This webpage is a hub for helpful information for challengers including a timeline, information on our prep workshops, and other important items.
Timeline
Prep Workshops
September 19 - October 22, 2026
We provide a series of preparatory workshops to support you through the development of your presentation! All new challengers are strongly encouraged to attend one of each.
Qualifying Round
November 2 - 6, 2026
Throughout the week of November 3rd, we'll be holding our qualifying round for all challengers across both campuses. Results to be announced the following week!
Final Competition
November 19, 2026
Challengers selected from the qualifying round will go on to compete in this final competition on Main Campus! Winners will be announced the same night!
Explain Your Research Prep Workshop Series (New!)
This year, we've transformed our competition preparation workshops into the new Explain Your Research workshop series. Through three engaging workshops and hands-on practice labs, you'll develop the skills to communicate your research clearly, confidently, and effectively, whether you're preparing for the 3MT® competition or sharing your work with audiences beyond your field.
These workshops are open to all graduate students. Whether you're planning to compete or simply want to become a stronger communicator, there's something in this series for everyone!
Write Like a Human (Script Writing)
Main Campus
Wednesday, September 23 | 5:30 - 7 p.m.
Health Science Campus
Monday, September 28 | 12 - 1:30 p.m.
Virtual
Design Slides that Work
Main Campus
Thursday, October 8 | 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Health Science Campus
Tuesday, October 6 | 12 - 1 p.m.
Virtual
Deliver With Impact
Main Campus
Wednesday, October 14 | 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Health Science Campus
Thursday, October 15 | 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Virtual
Practice Labs
Eligibility & Rules
Review the eligibility requirements and competition rules below!
Who Can Compete?
- Doctoral Candidates: currently registered in good standing; must have passed their qualifying exam and entered candidacy
- Master’s Students: currently registered in good standing; must have completed 2 semesters and submitted their GRAD form
- Graduated students: students who have already graduated are not eligible to compete
What are the Rules?
- A single static PowerPoint slide is permitted. No slide transitions, animations or movement.
- No electronic media (sound/video files).
- No props (e.g. costumes, instruments, lab equipment, etc.)
- You get 3 minutes. Period. If you go over 3 minutes, you lose!
- Decision of judges are final.
Important Deadlines
Competition Registration Deadline
Complete this webform to enter the competition.
Submit Qualifying Round Materials
You must submit the following to GradSuccess@utoledo.edu:
- Your name as you wish for it to appear on your slide
- Your headshot picture
- Your competition slide (if choosing to use one)
- Your presentation title
Submit Final Competition Materials
If selected for the final competition, you must submit the following to GradSuccess@utoledo.edu:
- Your name as you wish for it to appear on your slide
- Your headshot picture
- Your competition slide
- Your presentation title
Sunday, October 25 at 11:59 p.m.
Friday, October 30 at 12 p.m.
Monday, November 16 at 11:59 p.m.
What to Expect: Qualifying Round
Before the Qualifying Round
We're here to support you every step of the way! You will receive an email with the following information:
- Your qualifying round time slot and location
- A scoring rubric
During the Qualifying Round
During the qualifying round, you will present your 3MT® presentation to a panel of judges of varying disciplines. Our competition coordinators and timekeeper will be present as well. This round is not open to the public, but you are allowed to bring anyone from your support system with you! When you arrive, you (and anyone you bring along) will be asked to wait outside of the room of your presentation and will be welcomed in by one of our competition coordinators and introduced to the judges.
All you will need to do is present and you are done! After your presentation, the judges will score your rubric and our competition coordinators will reach out with the results once all challengers have presented.
What to Expect: Final Competition
If you are selected as a finalist, here's what you can expect during the 2026 Final Competition!
When and where is the final competition this year?
The final competition will be on Thursday, November 19 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. in Memorial Field House Room 2100 on Main Campus!
What time do I arrive?
All finalists must arrive by 5:15 p.m.
Is there a dress code?
We recommend wearing what you would wear to present your research at a conference, so business casual works great! This includes button-down shirts, blouses, slacks, khakis, dresses, closed-toe shoes, etc. We encourage you to choose what you feel reflects your personal style and professionalism.
Important note: You will be provided with a lapel microphone for your presentation.
How does the final competition work?
The final competition begins with us welcoming all attendees and participants and introducing our finalists and judges.
Then, we start presentations (the order of presentations will be provided to you prior to the competition)!
Once presentations conclude, the audience will take a moment to vote for a People's Choice Award winner. Then, all finalists and the audience will enjoy a brief reception with refreshments while the organizers and volunteers tabulate scores.
Once tabulation is complete, the winners will be recognized and we will wrap up!
Can I invite my family and friends?
Yes! Please invite your support system. This competition is open to the public.