2026 School of Medicine Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Awards | March 20
FIRST PRIZE - Keith Kaufman (Neurobiology/Neuroscience) " We're Not Always the Best Listeners: How Dynamic Brain States Shape What We Hear"
RUNNER-UP - Lizzie Giacobe (Microbiology and Immunology) "Protecting Pregnancy: How Bacteria Break In"
PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARD - Lizzie Giacobe (Microbiology and Immunology) "Protecting Pregnancy: How Bacteria Break In"
Thank you to all the contestants and to all that attended and voted!
The 3MT is a world-wide academic competition that challenges PhD students to describe their research within three minutes to a general audience. 3MT celebrates discoveries made by research students and encourages their skill in communicating the importance of research to the broader community.
Who is eligible to enter?
All PhD students who have successfully completed the dissertation proposal defense (candidate status) and are actively in the dissertation stage of training are eligible.
Prizes and Awards for the 2026 SOM 3MT Competition
First place prize: $1,000 travel/research grant
Runner-up prize: $500 travel/research grant
People's Choice prize: $1,000 travel/research grant
Getting ready to compete?
Rules, criteria, awards
We are following the 3MT competition rules suggested by the University of Queensland, which founded the event.
- Presentations are limited to 3 minutes and competitors exceeding 3 minutes are disqualified.
- Presentations are to be spoken word (no poems, raps, or songs).
- Presentations are considered to have commenced when a presenter starts their presentation through speech.
- A single static PowerPoint slide is permitted (no slide transitions, animations or 'movement’) and is to be presented from the beginning of the oration.
- No additional electronic media (e.g., sound and video files) are permitted.
- No additional props (e.g., costumes, musical instruments, laboratory equipment) are permitted.
- The decision of the adjudicating panel is final.
Judging Criteria
Competitors are assessed on the judging criteria listed below. Each criterion is equally weighted and has an emphasis on audience.
Comprehension and Content
- Did the presentation provide an understanding of the background and significance to the research question being addressed while explaining terminology and avoiding jargon?
- Did the presentation clearly describe the impact and/or results of the research, including conclusions and outcomes?
- Did the presentation follow a clear and logical sequence?
- Was the thesis topic, research significance, results/impact, and outcomes communicated in language appropriate to a non-specialist audience?
- Did the presenter spend adequate time on each element of their presentation—or did they elaborate for too long on one aspect or was the presentation rushed?
Presentation Resources
To help you prepare, participants are highly encouraged to watch the following video recording: “Basics of Effective Communication to a General Audience” from Dr. John Radzilowicz, University Center for Teaching and Learning. This resource provides crucial tips on how to develop a winning 3MT presentation. Note that students must log in with Pitt credentials to view the recording.
Watch examples from past winners from 3MT’s video recordings.
The SOM Graduate Studies Office will be hosting a workshop to help you prepare and fine tune your communication skills. More information soon!
+ info Pitt Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition
Questions nng15@pitt.edu
Check out previous 3MT SOM winners
2025
From left to right: Britt Chamberlain; Talia Adi; Dr. Saleem Khan, Associate Dean for Graduate Studies and Academic Affairs; Aidan Cole
Photo by Rayni Shiring - Office of Strategic Communications, Health Sciences
FIRST PRIZE - Talia Adi "Immune cells on the brain: the meninges and migraine pain"
RUNNER-UP - Britt Chamberlain "A pressing issue: how do we learn to avoid?"
RUNNER-UP - Aidan Cole "Sick and Sneaky: The unexpected role of chemotherapy in cancer spread"
PEOPLE'S CHOICE - Britt Chamberlain "A pressing issue: how do we learn to avoid?"
2024
FIRST Prize - Catherine Phelps "Exercise and the Microbiome Fight Back Against Melanoma"
RUNNER-UP - Abdalla Wedn "Small in size but big by function, How the transcription factor AP2B could be the hope for lobular breast cancer"
PEOPLE'S CHOICE - Hye Mi Kim "Orchestra of immune system to bring harmony in Cancer Patient" & Abdalla Wedn "Small in size but big by function, How the transcription factor AP2B could be the hope for lobular breast cancer"
