to a general audience in a clear, engaging, and accessible manner.
The 3MT competition aims to enhance the profile of the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) both within universities and the wider community. Students attend the competition to gain insights into groundbreaking research, support our talented graduate students, witness the next generation of innovators, and network with fellow academics and professionals
- Active NU PhD candidates who have successfully passed their confirmation milestone (including candidates whose thesis is under submission) by the date of their first presentation. Graduates are not eligible.
- 3MT presentations must represent the primary research the students have conducted in their PhD programs.
- Competitors must present in person and agree to be video/audio recorded and photographed. They must also allow those recordings and photographs to be made public.
- The registration for School level 3MT should be available after March 6. All eligible PhD students who shows interest must contact the school administrators.
- Before September 1: All School-level 3MT competitions shall be over
- September 10: Wildcard Competition | 1 - 2 PM, 1010 (C3)
- September 17: NU 2025 3MT Finale | 6 - 7 PM, Red Hall (C3)
- A single static PowerPoint slide is permitted (no slide transitions, animations or ‘movement’ of any description, the slide is to be presented from the beginning of the oration).
- No additional electronic media (e.g., sound and video files) or props (e.g., costumes, musical instruments, laboratory equipment) are permitted.
- Presentations are limited to 3 minutes maximum and competitors exceeding 3 minutes are disqualified.
- Presentations are to be spoken word (e.g., no poems, raps, or songs).
- Presentations are considered to have commenced when a presenter starts their presentation through movement or speech.
- The decision of the adjudicating panel is final.
Comprehension and Content
- Presentation provided clear background and significance to the research question
- Presentation clearly described the research strategy/design and the results/findings of the research
- Presentation clearly described the conclusions, outcomes, and impact of the research
- The oration was delivered clearly, and the language was appropriate for a non-specialist audience
- The PowerPoint slide was well-defined and enhanced the presentation
- The presenter conveyed enthusiasm for their research and captured and maintained the audience’s attention
School Heats: Schools are welcome to provide prizes to participants. Winner progresses to the NU Final; People’s Choice progresses to Wildcard Competition
Prizes can vary at the discretion of your School
Wildcard Competition: Winner advances to NU 3MT Final
NU 3MT Final Prizes:
Winner: 500 000 KZT
Runner-Up: 250 000 KZT
People’s Choice: 250 000 KZT
NU Writing Center Workshops
Workshop: Demystifying 3MT
May 22, 2025 I Time: 2PM
Venue: 2003 block C3
Register here
September 2025 I Date & Time: TBA
Register here
Individual sessions with the NU Writing Center couches:
With Adina-Camelia Arvatu: TBA
With Thomas Duke: TBA
NU Library Resources and Workshops
Registration TBA
For general questions , NU Wildcard, and NU Finale contact us at 3mt@nu.edu.kz or the NU 3MT administrator, Gulnaz Bulebayeva, at gbulebayeva@nu.edu.kz.
2024 competition
Yelzhanova
PhD candidate
SEDS
In Search of a Secret Sauce
Muhammad Waqar
PhD candidate
SSH
Kabibulatova
PhD candidate
SoM
Makhadiyeva
PhD candidate
SoM
Tnymbergen
PhD candiate
GSPP
Khoramian
PhD candidate
SMG
Rysbekkyzy
PhD candidate
GSE
- "WINNING THE AWARD
was a meaningful milestone in my academic journey. The grant allowed me to invest directly in my PhD thesis, access important research papers, and take courses that deepened my knowledge. The most meaningful change, however, was personal.
To be honest, before the competition I never enjoyed presentations or public speaking. Preparing for 3MT challenged me to step outside my comfort zone, and in doing so, I discovered that with focus and dedication I am capable of much more than I believed.
The competition also taught me how to communicate complex ideas in a clear and effective way, a skill I will carry throughout my career. I am sincerely grateful to the organizers for creating such an inspiring platform and to my professors for their guidance and encouragement throughout this journey. Without their support, this achievement would not have been possible."