Your research. Three minutes. Stories that connect.

Learn to communicate your research clearly and confidently to a broad audience—and compete for up to $1,000 in prize money!

Sign up today!

Not sure whether you want to compete?
Sign up for the first workshop to learn more before committing.

What is 3MT?

Three Minute Thesis (3MT) is an internationally celebrated program that challenges doctoral students to explain their research to a non-specialist audience in just three minutes.

BU participants build their communication skills through three workshops and a peer practice session, leading up to a final competition.

Why participate?

  • Reconnect with your purpose. Explore the “why” behind your research and build—or rediscover—your motivation.
  • Share your work. Connect with students, faculty, and staff from across BU.
  • Strengthen your pitch. Prepare for interviews, networking conversations, and other opportunities to communicate your expertise.
  • Compete for prizes. First place: $1,000; second place: $500; audience choice: $500.

Who is eligible?

To compete, you must:

  • Be enrolled in a BU doctoral program, such as a PhD, EdD, MD/PhD, or DMA.
  • Have completed required coursework and passed your program’s doctoral candidacy requirements.
  • Have data or results from the project you will present, with IRB approval or exemption if applicable.
  • Have your advisor’s approval to participate.
  • Have permission from relevant collaborators to share the results in the competition.

Competition requirements

Competition participants must:

  • Attend all three communication workshops (1.5 hours each). Attendance exceptions may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
  • Attend one peer practice session (2 hours) to give and receive feedback.
  • Submit a first-round video by February 27, 2027.
  • Be able to attend the 3MT Grand Finale (Tuesday, March 23, 2–4 PM) if you are selected as a finalist.

2027 Timelines

All workshops, practice sessions, and events will happen in person on the Charles River Campus.

Event Date and time (2027)
Registration deadline January 27: Sign up today!
Workshop 1 Intro to 3MT, Elevator Pitch (Option 1) Monday, Jan. 25, 9–10:30 AM (Option 2) Wednesday, Jan. 27, 3–4:30 PM
Workshop 2 Communicating with a Broad Audience (Option 1) Monday, Feb. 1, 9–10:30 AM (Option 2) Wednesday, Feb. 3, 3–4:30 PM
Workshop 3 Public Speaking (Option 1) Monday, Feb. 8, 9–10:30 AM (Option 2) Wednesday, Feb. 10, 3–4:30 PM
Practice Session (Option 1) Tuesday, Feb. 16, 9–11 AM (Option 2) Wednesday, Feb. 17, 3–5 PM (Option 3) Thursday, Feb. 18, 4–6 PM
First-round video submissions due Saturday, Feb. 27, by 11:59 PM
Finalists announced Friday, March 5
1:1 practice sessions for Finalists (Option 1) Monday, March 15 (Option 2) Wednesday, March 17
3MT Grand Finale 2027 Tuesday, March 23, 2–4 PM

3MT in action

Looking for inspiration? Watch the 10 3MT finalists from 2026!

Questions?

Email gradpd@bu.edu.