National 3 Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition

The Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) in Canada

The Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) is an internationally recognized competition for thesis-based graduate students in which participants present their scholarly and creative activity and its wider impact in 3 minutes or less.

The challenge is to present complex research in an accessible and compelling way with the assistance of only one static slide. Created in 2008 at the University of Queensland, Australia, the competition celebrates exciting and innovative graduate student research while promoting communication, public speaking, and storytelling skills.

The first 3MT competition to be held in Canada took place at the University of British Columbia in 2011, and in 2014 the first national 3MT competition was held. Today, dozens of Canadian universities and research institutes host annual competitions, with winners moving on to one of three regional competitions (Western, Ontario, Eastern) before competing in the National 3MT Showcase. The top two winners of the Canadian event advance to compete at the North American 3MT Showcase.

The Canadian National 3MT Showcase is hosted annually by CAGS and, for 2026, will be held in Regina, SK, on Thursday, 5 November. The North American 3MT Showcase is hosted annually by the Council for Graduate Schools (CGS) and, for 2026, will be held in Los Angeles, CA, in early December.

2026 CAnadian 3MT Circuit

Western Regional

Host: University of Regina (College Avenue Campus)
Date: 5 May 2026
Primary Contact: Wendy Forsberg
Email: grad.engagement@uregina.ca

Ontario Regional

Host: Brock University
Date: To be determined
Primary Contact: To be determined
Email: To be determined

Eastern Regional

Host: Saint Mary’s University
Date: Friday, 5 June 2026
Primary Contact: To be determined
Email: To be determined

2026 National 3MT Showcase

Host: Canadian Association for Graduate Studies (CAGS)
Date: Thursday, 5 November 2026
Location: Regina, Saskatchewan
Primary Contact: Ian Wereley
Email: ian.wereley@cags.ca

2026 North American 3MT Showcase

Host: US Council of Graduate Schools (CGS)
Date: Early December 2026 (TBD)
Location: Los Angeles, California
Primary Contact: Ian Wereley
Email: ian.wereley@cags.ca

NEW: 3MT Handbook for Participating Universities (2026)

NEW: 3MT Organizers' Resource Guide (2026)

New Edition Notes

In 2024, the Canadian Association for Graduate Studies (CAGS) and the Graduate and Postdoctoral Development Network (GPDN) formed a working group to update the 3MT^® Handbook, aiming to enhance equity, accessibility, and inclusivity in the Canadian context while retaining the core framework established by the University of Queensland. The new edition introduces several key updates, including expanded eligibility for course-based master’s students engaged in research, visiting students, postdocs, and, at the local level, undergraduates, provided they receive supervisor approval. Alternative research formats such as performances, cultural props, theatrical elements, or costumes may also be considered—provided they are core to one’s work—at local and at regional competitions with appropriate approval (Regional Deans’ approval).

The judging rubric has been revised to emphasize storytelling and communication impact rather than data or research conclusions, encouraging participation from students at all stages of their research journey. The new resource guide provides organizers with practical tools, including event planning strategies, technical considerations, logistical guidelines, and tips for facilitating judging. While local competitions continue to allow the flexibility to reflect each institution’s culture and programming, regional and national events may enforce stricter criteria. Looking ahead, considerations include further accessibility, neurodiversity, and governance models such as the creation of a neutral oversight body and potential host city advantages. The annual National 3MT Showcase at the CAGS Conference will continue to celebrate research diversity across the 3MT^®, MT180, and SSHRC Storytellers competitions, with GPDN members acting as a feedback channel to support ongoing development.