Learn about complex research… in just three minutes

Telling a long story in just three minutes is a challenge for almost anyone. Now imagine trying to explain the intricacies of a complicated research project in the same amount of time that you can pop a bag of microwave popcorn – and also have everyone understand it. That’s what the Three Minutes Thesis (3MT®) competition is all about.

Battling the clock and articulating a tricky story is the basis of 3MT® – an intriguing battle of creativity involving dozens of graduate students at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT). For several weeks, UOIT students have been refining their egg-timer presentations in the hope of advancing to the provincial 3MT® competition Thursday, April 14 at Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, Ontario.

“Explaining complicated research is one of the greatest challenges a university researcher faces, especially when trying to get a wide audience to understand their area of expertise,” said Dr. Langis Roy, Dean, UOIT Office of Graduate Studies. “In a society with an ever-shortening attention span, subject matter experts have precious seconds to ensure their message resonates with the average person. Three Minute Thesis is an ideal way for University of Ontario Institute of Technology students to put story-telling skills to the ultimate test.”

A distinguished list of judges* from various regional organizations and industries will evaluate the presentations. There will be opportunities for students to network, further develop their presentation skills and refine the executive summary of their research. Participation in the 3MT® competition is free.

What:
UOIT Three Minute Thesis 2016: Final competition

Where:
University of Ontario Institute of Technology
Gordon Willey Building, G-Wing, Room G213 (Dining Room)
2000 Simcoe Street North
Oshawa, Ontario

When:
Finals – Wednesday, March 23 at 2 p.m. (live web stream begins at 2:30 p.m.)

Official website: uoit.ca/3mt

Parking:
Enter off Simcoe Street North or Conlin Road and proceed to Founders 3 parking lot. 

*Judges – Heats (Monday, March 21)

• Jennifer Baron, Business Manager, Covanta Durham York Renewable Energy LP
• Brian Coulas, Chief Nuclear Engineer, Hatch Ltd.
• Peter Henry, CEO and Founder, GrowthLogic Inc.
• Sam Masri, Managing Principal, SAP
• Sandro Perruzza, CEO, Ontario Society of Professional Engineers
• Teresa Shaver, Executive Director, Business Advisory Centre Durham
• Natalie Sims, President, Durham Medical Services

*Judges – Finals (Wednesday, March 23)

• James Goodfellow, Director of Business Development, BWXT Canada Ltd.
• Dr. Kerim Kollu, Applications Research Scientist, Real Tech Inc.
• Mark Morreale, Academic Program Manager, SAS Canada
• Mark Nicol, Health Care Affairs Manager, Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd.
• Mario Silva, Distinguished Visiting Professor, Ryerson University
• Helen Smith, Finance Director, Rolls Royce Civil Nuclear Canada Ltd.

About 3MT

The 3MT concept has enjoyed widespread international popularity since it was developed by Australia’s University of Queensland in 2008. The first Canadian 3MT event was staged in 2011 by the University of British Columbia.

Media contact:
Bryan Oliver
Communications and Marketing
University of Ontario Institute of Technology
905.721.8668 ext. 6709
289.928.3653 (cell)
bryan.oliver@uoit.ca