Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) Challenge
The Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) is an internationally recognised academic competition developed by The University of Queensland. It challenges research candidates to present a compelling oral summary of their research and its significance in just *three minutes*, to a non-specialist audience, using a single static slide.
As a flagship event of CERS 2026, the 3MT Challenge offers Civil Engineering researchers a platform to communicate their work, develop transferable skills, and engage with a broader scholarly community.
Register your interest: https://forms.gle/hPigYjFKwkzWVWaRA
Eligibility
- Currently enrolled Civil Engineering undergraduate or postgraduate research candidates (MSc, MPhil, or PhD) at a recognized university/institution
- Each participant may only enter once — co-authored or group presentations are not permitted
- Presentations must be conducted in English
Competition Format
|
Phase |
Stage |
Activity |
Timeline |
|
1 |
Expression of Interest |
Participants submit EOI via Google Form |
From 6th July onwards |
|
2 |
Round Robin (Online) |
All registered participants present online; judged by panel |
Between 7th September to 18th September 2026 |
|
3 |
Finals (Live — CERS 2026) |
Top 5 finalists present live at the conference; winners announced |
During CERS 2026 conference on the 8th October 2026 |
Key Dates
- EOI Form opens – 6th July 2026
- EOI Form closes – 9th August 2026
- Shortlist notification – 23rd August 2026
- Online Round Robin – 7th–18th September 2026
- Finalist notification – 27th September 2026
- Live Finals & Winners Announced – 8th October 2026 (CERS 2026)
Key Rules & Guidelines
- Presentation time is strictly three minutes; a visible countdown timer will be displayed, and presentations exceeding the limit will be stopped
- Only one static slide is permitted, and it must be submitted at least 48 hours before the scheduled presentation
- No props, costumes, or additional audio-visual aids beyond the single slide are permitted
- Presentations must represent the participant's own original research
- Round Robin participants must join the online session at least 10 minutes before their scheduled time
- Coaching from the audience or off-screen assistance during the live presentation is prohibited
Cash prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, 3rd place, and all finalists.
For queries, contact:
* Prof. Chinthaka Mallikarachchi*, Symposium Chair — yasithcm@uom.lk
* Dr. Lakshitha Fernando*, 3MT Chair — lakshithaf@uom.lk