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Applications are open for the 2026 Mizzou Three Minute Thesis (3MT®)!
by
Mon, Aug 31, 2026 1:00 PM –
Fri, Sep 25, 2026 5:00 PM CDT (GMT-5)
Private Location (sign in to display)
5
Registered
Details
Could you present your dissertation research in just three minutes? The Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) challenges doctoral candidates to communicate complex research clearly and engagingly to a general audience—using only one static slide.
At Mizzou, 3MT® is a professional development opportunity to strengthen your research communication and public speaking skills while competing for $1,000 in professional development awards and plaques. The first-place winner also advances to the regional 3MT® competition, with travel supported by Mizzou.
Eligibility: Participants must be currently enrolled in a research-based doctoral program, be in good academic standing, and have met doctoral candidacy requirements with a D-3 on file. Additional participation requirements apply; see the application for details.
Application Deadline: Friday, Sept. 25, 5:00 p.m.
Submit Your 2026 3MT® Application →
Want to learn more first? Attend the virtual 3MT® Info Session on Friday, Sept. 18, noon–1:00 p.m. to learn more about the competition, participation requirements, and what to expect. Attendance is optional.
Attend the 3MT® Info Session →
Questions? Contact Heather Hoffman at hoffmanh@missouri.edu
Agenda
Upcoming Events
Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) Info Session
This info session is intended for current Mizzou doctoral candidates who have met doctoral candidacy requirements and have a D-3 on file.
Interested in participating in the Mizzou Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) competition? Join us to learn about the competition, participation requirements, preparation opportunities, awards, and how to apply. Bring your questions!
21 Spots Left
Wed, Sep 30, 2026
3:30 PM – 4:45 PM
111F Townsend (Grad Hub)
3:30 PM – 4:45 PM
Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) Orientation (Restricted to 3MT® Participants)
Restricted to 3MT® Participants
26 Spots Left
Wed, Oct 07, 2026
3:30 PM – 4:45 PM
Private Location (sign in to display)
3:30 PM – 4:45 PM
Communicating Your Research Through Storytelling with Journalism Professor Amy Simons (3MT® Training Workshop – Open to All Graduate Students)
The power to captivate your audience through storytelling is essential. Join this workshop led by Amy Simons, Journalism professor and expert storyteller, as she shares effective techniques for communicating research in a way that resonates with a wide audience and leaves a lasting impact.
📌 Note: This session is highly recommended for all Mizzou 3MT® participants, but it is also open to all graduate students who want to strengthen their communication skills.
23 Spots Left
Wed, Oct 14, 2026
3:30 PM – 4:45 PM
111F Townsend (Grad Hub)
3:30 PM – 4:45 PM
Workshop on Scriptwriting (3MT® Training Workshop – Open to All Graduate Students)
Learn how to shape your research into a compelling story that connects with audiences beyond your field. Led by Theatre PhD student Reagan Venturi, this interactive workshop explores how to build a strong narrative arc—from the opening hook and central problem to the significance and memorable conclusion.
📌 Note: This session is highly recommended for all Mizzou 3MT® participants, but it is also open to all graduate students who want to strengthen their communication skills.
27 Spots Left
Wed, Oct 21, 2026
3:30 PM – 4:45 PM
111F Townsend (Grad Hub)
3:30 PM – 4:45 PM
Sharpening Your Public Speaking Skills (3MT® Training Workshop – Open to All Graduate Students)
Strong delivery is the key to connecting with your audience. In this workshop, Dr. Caroline Waldbuesser, Course Director for Public Speaking, will guide participants through essential public speaking skills, including maintaining eye contact, reducing filler words like “um,” improving pronunciation, preparing for general audiences, and effective strategies for practicing and rehearsing presentations.
📌 Note: This session is highly recommended for all Mizzou 3MT® participants, but it is also open to all graduate students who want to build confidence and polish their presentation skills.
27 Spots Left
Wed, Oct 28, 2026
3:30 PM – 4:35 PM
111F Townsend (Grad Hub)
3:30 PM – 4:35 PM
3MT® Practice Session (Restricted to 3MT® Participants)
Restricted to 3MT® Participants
28 Spots Left
Fri, Oct 30, 2026
12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
111F Townsend (Grad Hub)
12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
3MT® Practice Session (Restricted to 3MT® Participants)
Restricted to 3MT® Participants
29 Spots Left
Mon, Nov 02, 2026
3:30 PM – 4:30 PM
111F Townsend (Grad Hub)
3:30 PM – 4:30 PM
3MT® Practice Session (Restricted to 3MT® Participants)
Restricted to 3MT® Participants
29 Spots Left
Wed, Nov 04, 2026
3:30 PM – 4:45 PM
Leadership Auditorium
3:30 PM – 4:45 PM
3MT® Competition
Come cheer on PhD candidates as they compete in the Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) competition! Each presenter will share the story of their research in just three minutes—with one slide, and no jargon. Discover how Mizzou scholars are tackling some of today’s most pressing issues, from health and technology to education and sustainability!