The MIT Research Slam and 3MT
Research Slam is a research presentation that builds on the classic “elevator pitch” or 3 Minute Thesis (3MT) competition.
Presenters explain their research to a curious, non-specialist audience in ≤3 minutes (strictly enforced) using one slide with no animation, video, or props.
This format was created by University of Queensland (UQ) in 2008 and quickly spread across the globe. Now this competition is offered in more than 200 universities in more than 85 countries of the world.
Check out videos from past research slam pitches here
Prizes for Participants
| Category | Winner | Runner-up | Audience Choice |
| PhD Student | $600 | $300 | $300 |
| Postdoctoral Scholar | $600 | $300 | $300 |
Who is eligible to participate in Research Slam/3MT?
- all MIT (institute-wide) postdoctoral fellows and associates are eligible to participate in the Research Slam category
-
currently enrolled MIT PhD candidates who have passed qualifying exams and not finished defending their thesis
Competition Description
- Participants must submit a pre-recorded 3 minute talk (with a single slide included in the video) and upload a single slide, describing their research to a scientifically curious non-expert audience. The videos and the slide must conform to the format of Three Minute Thesis (3MTTM).
- Submission instructions: Please fill out this submission form and upload your video file and slide separately by Monday, March 13, 2023, 11:00pm. Remember to hit “submit” on the google form after uploading your files.
- The competition has two categories: 3MTTM (for Ph.D. students) and Research Slam (for postdoctoral scholars). The same rubric is used to judge both categories. The top 4-5 entries in each category are selected for the final showcase event.
- The in-person final showcase took place on April 19, 2023, 5-7pm, MIT Welcome Center (292 Main St). Finalists presented live to a panel of judges and the audience. The judges were from diverse backgrounds including academia, industry, business, science communication, and science policy. The event was widely advertised and audience included both the MIT community and the general public.
- Check the Resources page for workshops, sample videos, and additional materials to help you prepare your video submission. In addition, you are encouraged to utilize the MIT Comm Labs, CAPD, and the MIT Writing and Communication Center for feedback and individual consultations.
Perks of participating
- Hundreds of dollars in prizes! Winner gets $600. Runner-up gets $300. Audience-choice award of $300
- Hone your science communication skills through our preparation workshops
- Showcase your research to the MIT community and the broader public
- Create a research video you can use for future conferences and portfolios.
- Winners of the 3MTTM category are eligible to progress to regional and other higher level 3MTTM competitions
Key Dates
- Information Session: Wednesday, February 8th; 3-4 PM ET; (the recording, slides, and handout)
- Workshop 1: Creating a Compelling Three-Minute Talk: Wednesday, February 15th; 12-1:30 PM ET; (the recording and slides)
- Workshop 2: Deliver to Win: How to Present Your 3-Minute Talk Effectively: Wednesday, February 22nd; 3-4:30 PM ET; (the recording and slides)
- Video submission deadline: Monday, March 13, 2023, 11:00 pm ET; Please submit your application and video using this form
- Public Showcase: Wednesday, April 19, 2023, 5-7pm with a reception starting at 7pm (MIT Welcome Center)
Questions? Contact research-slam@mit.edu