By organising the 3 Minute Thesis (3MT) competition, the Universidade de Lisboa aims to stimulate the science communication skills of PhD students. Considering that the new knowledge produced in universities is essential for solving major societal challenges, promoting dialogue between science and society is a particularly important step in the process of training PhD students.
Students are challenged to explain the importance and impact of their research to a non-specialised audience, while promoting scientific culture and fostering interdisciplinarity and mutual knowledge at Universidade de Lisboa.
The academic competition 3MT at Universidade de Lisboa aims to develop unique skills of PhD students, such as communicating complex ideas in a simple and creative way, to diverse audiences, in just 3 minutes. The competition is inspired by a format developed and patented by the University of Queensland, Australia (3MT®), on which ULisboa organised its first edition in 2023, rewarding 3 students, and the second edition in 2024, also rewarding 3 PhD students.
Who is eligible?
All PhD students enrolled in the 3rd or following years of a 3rd cycle of studies at Universidade de Lisboa are eligible for this competition.
What are the prizes?
The first place receives a prize of €5,000.00, the second place €2,000.00 and the third place €1,000.00.
Applicants in Phase 1 will participate in a Science Communication training course and receive a certificate of participation. Phase 2 finalists and winners will also be awarded merit recognition diplomas.
Important dates
Applications – 3 to 16 February 2025
Science Communication Course (for applicants), conducted by Joana Lobo Antunes and Sílvio Mendes (Instituto Superior Técnico) – 24 and 25 February 2025
Video submission – 26 February to 21 March 2025
Selection of finalists – until 29 April 2025
Final competition – 27 May 2025
Award ceremony – end of June 2025
For questions related to the competition, please contact: 3MT@reitoria.ulisboa.pt
