by Sarah Bender
Carnegie Mellon University Libraries is offering Ph.D. students an exciting opportunity to showcase their research in an internationally recognized competition. CMU doctoral candidates of every level can register to participate in the 2026 Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition for the chance to gain early career recognition, connect with the campus community, and win prizes of up to $3,000.
3MT is a celebration of research that challenges Ph.D. students to present a compelling oration on their thesis and its significance in just three minutes and in language that anyone can understand. Developed by the University of Queensland (UQ) in Australia, the competition was brought to Pittsburgh by Helen and Henry Posner, Jr. Dean of Libraries Keith Webster in 2013. Since then, CMU doctoral candidates have joined students at over 900 universities across more than 85 countries worldwide in sharing their work with broad audiences.
“For over a decade, 3MT has brought together CMU students from disciplines across campus to develop their skills in public communication, giving them resources to explain why their work matters and how it can positively impact the world around us,” said Webster, who was Dean of Libraries at UQ when 3MT was developed. “From showcasing groundbreaking research to building interdisciplinary connections and collaborations, 3MT is a powerful reminder of important ways our Ph.D. students are investing in scientific and social advances — and how that work is even more compelling when we come together to elevate it.”
The competition is not an exercise in trivializing or “dumbing down” research, but requires students to consolidate their ideas, crystallize their research discoveries, and capture the imagination of their audience. Judges evaluate competitors based on how comprehensive their presentation is, how effectively they engage listeners, and how clearly their communication style reaches a non-specialist audience.
"In an era where academic research is being challenged, 3MT gives participants an opportunity to communicate the importance and effectiveness of their research for the broader community,” said Business and Entrepreneurship Librarian and 3MT faculty moderator Ryan Splenda.
Registrants will first compete in one of five preliminary rounds, hosted February 11–25 from 5-6:30 p.m. in Hunt Library. All preliminary round dates are listed on the 3MT website. Each presenter may use only one static presentation slide — no props or note cards — and must fit the entire presentation into three minutes.
Last year’s finalists ranged from College of Engineering students studying electrical and computer engineering, mechanical engineering, and materials science and engineering, to students researching computer science and biological sciences. Past winners have also hailed from the College of Fine Arts and Dietrich College, and students from all schools and colleges across campus are encouraged to participate this year as well.
Two winners from each of the preliminary rounds will compete in the 2026 3MT Championship, which will be held on Wednesday, March 25, 2026 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Cohon University Center’s McConomy Auditorium. Registration is required to attend, and will be available soon.
“While this event offers a new challenge for Ph.D. students, it also gives students a chance to showcase their proudest achievements and celebrate with the community,” said STEM Librarian and 3MT faculty moderator Chasz Griego.
Participant registration closes on Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at 5 p.m. Ph.D. students can register to participate here.
Image: Vivian Shen from the Robotics Institute presenting at the 2025 3MT Championship.