Thesis Talk. Frequently Asked Questions

Since 2016, the Doctoral School hosts Thesis Talk, the thesis presentation competition which challenges our Ph.D. students to present their research in just 4 minutes before a non-specialist audience. For further details, check the Frequently Asked Questions below.

In Thesis Talk our Ph.D. candidates present their research projects before a non-specialist audience in just 4 minutes, focusing on the what, how and why of their research. A single slide is permitted to enhance their presentation. Participants can choose the language of their presentation (English or Spanish). Presentations are evaluated by a jury of experts.

Thesis Talk follows the guidelines of Three Minute Thesis (3MT), originally developed by the University of Queensland (Australia) in 2008 and replicated by more than two hundred institutions worldwide.

Thesis Talk is a 2-credit activity of our research skills training program (formación transversal). Registration is free.

Thesis Talk is open to all our students enrolled on a Ph.D. program during the academic year corresponding to each edition.

Thesis Talk usually takes place in June/July at our campuses. Further details on the call for applications of each edition.

Thesis Talk consists of two stages:

Preselection stage. Presentations from all candidates are evaluated by a jury of experts. 15 candidates are shortlisted according to the evaluation criteria established in the call.

Final stage. Finalists deliver their presentations live. The jury selects the three best presentations according to the evaluation criteria established in the call. 

Preparation. Candidates can prepare their presentation in two ways:

1. Preparatory workshops of the Doctoral School (optional).

2. Self-preparation. Here are some useful resources:

• Previous Thesis Talk presentations: 2023 |  2022 |  2021 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016
• 3 Minute Thesis (3MT) presentations
• Can you explain your thesis in a nutshell?  by UNITEC Institute of Technology (New Zealand) and Griffith University (Australia)
• How to Win the 3MT by thesiswhisperer.org
• Giving oral presentations ( nature education)

The presentation must meet the following criteria:

• Presentation is focused on research work and personal contribution
• Presentation provides understanding of background and significance of research
• Presentation describes methodology and key results of research
• Presentation follows clear, logical sequence
• Presentation appropriate to non-specialist audience
• Presenter careful not to trivialize research
• Presenter captures audience's attention, has presence, eye contact, vocal range, maintains pace, has confident stance
• Slide enhances presentation

The members of the jury are designated each year by the Dean of the Doctoral School.

The three best presentations according to the jury of the latest edition of Thesis Talk received prizes of € 900, € 600 and €300. 

(*) Prizes subject to current tax legislation

Students must submit their application form (available only during application period) to the Doctoral School.

Application implies acceptance of the evaluation criteria and explicit consent for uc3m to record live performances during competition sessions.

Each edition is announced on our website and notified to all Ph.D. students by e-mail.

Inquiries: gestiondoctorado@uc3m.es