LMP 3MT resources

See the main LMP 3MT (or 3-Minute Thesis) page for full details and timelines for our departmental competition.

On this page, you will find resources useful for:

• competitors
• coaches and judges (jump to that section)

Resources for competitors

The LMP 3MT handout is handout is designed to guide coaches and judges, but is also useful for competitors as it:

• summarises what to focus on
• highlights some do's and don'ts for presenters
• outlines the rules and judging criteria

See the 3MT guide (PDF)

Session recordings available

Dr. Laurent Bozec and Dr. Laura Dempster, experts in science communication and 3MT, held three zoom sessions. If you missed these and want to access the recordings, please email lmp.communications@utoronto.ca.

1. Session for competitors: explaining what the 3MT is and how to be successful (and therefore how you can communicate your science to a lay audience).
2. Session for coaches and judges: explaining what makes a good 3MT (summarised in our handout)
3. Student session: three students who have competed in the 3MT and succeeded in winning or attracting funding for their research dissected their 3MTs and gave advice. 

Eligibility and rules

See information for the U of T 3MT competition on eligibility, rules and judging criteria.

The LMP 3MT follows the same rules as the U of T competition. Any learner in any LMP program can compete.

Videos to watch

It’s important to understand the style and format of a 3MT entry. There are many examples available to watch online. Watch videos of U of T 3MT finalists. 

See the 2023-2024 LMP 3MT finalists on our Youtube channel.

See LMP's Atefeh Mohammadi’s U of T competition winning entry from 2022: 'Lung disease in premature babies: are watermelons the answer?'

Getting help with your 3MT

If you'd like to discuss your 3MT approach or practice it with someone who can give you constructive feedback, you can access:

• Individual coaching. The LMP Peer Communication Team (PCT) are experts in giving presentation feedback to our students and are ready to help you with your 3MT! Email Matsya and Negar to set up your individual coaching session at lmp.pct@gmail.com.
• Advice from the Professors. Dr. Laurent Bozec, 3MT lead, and Dr. Laura Dempster are available to speak to you if you're having challenges or would like any help or guidance with your 3MT. Contact them at l.bozec@utoronto.ca (Dr. Bozec) or l.dempster@dentistry.utoronto.ca (Dr. Dempster).

Read about LMP students in the 3MT

• Students shine in LMP's 3MT Final: communicating complex research to the public 
• LMP student sees 3-Minute Thesis success in French and English
• LMP MSc student Atefeh Mohammadi wins 3 Minute Thesis Competition
• One slide and three minutes: How PhD students are trying to explain their life’s work to the masses (featuring LMP's Ain Kim)

Resources for judges and coaches  

If you are supporting someone preparing a 3MT entry, or you have been asked to judge, see the resources below.

We held a ‘Train the Trainers’ session for coaches. If you would liket to access the recording, please email lmp.communications@utoronto.ca.

If you are interested in being a judge for 2024-2025, fill out our online form.

LMP 3MT handout for coaches and judges

See the 3MT guide (PDF)

Judging rubric

Competitors are judged on three areas. Exact marking details will be confirmed nearer the time:

1. Communication (out of 10 points)

• Did the presenter use language and terminology that was clear and understandable?
• Was the pace of the talk effective?
• Did the presenter use non-verbal communication (i.e., eye contact, voice modulation, body language, etc.) effectively?
• Did the slide enhance, rather than detract from, the talk — was it clear, legible, and concise?

2. Comprehension and content (out of 10 points)

• Did the talk help you to understand the research being undertaken and its potential impact?
• Did the presenter clearly outline the nature and purpose of their research?
• Did the presenter clearly indicate what is fascinating or compelling about their research?
• Did the talk follow a logical sequence?

3. Engagement (out of 10 points)

• Was the talk engaging?
• Did the talk inspire you to want to know more?
• Did the presenter convey enthusiasm for their work?
• Did the presenter capture and maintain your attention?