3rd ATAS Academic Talks: 3 Minute Research (3MR) Competition

ATAS invites all undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD students actively studying at Scottish higher education institution to participate in the 3 Minute Research competition! Participants will present their research to non-specialist audiences, providing insight into its importance in accessible and engaging language, all within a three-minute timeframe and using a single PowerPoint slide. The 3MR competition offers students the chance to enhance their presentation skills, vital for success in both academic and professional careers.

Submission Deadline:  Sunday, 12 May 2024

Competition Date: Sunday, 19 May 2024, 2 pm

Venue: The Grand Hall, Merchants House, 7 West George St, Glasgow G2 1BA

Rules

    • – You must be studying (Undergraduate, Master or PhD) at a registered higher education institution (university or college) in Scotland.
    • – You should present details of one of your current research outputs, such as a course assignment, academic publication, dissertation, or thesis.
    • – ALL presentations for the 3 Minute Research will be NO MORE than 3 minutes!
    • – You will only be allowed 1 SLIDE (with no transitions).
    • – The competition language is ENGLISH. Participants are required to prepare their presentations and deliver their talks in English.
    • – No additional electronic media (e.g. sound and video files) are permitted.
    • – No additional props (e.g. costumes, musical instruments, laboratory equipment) are permitted.
    • – 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.
    • – You should tell us what your research is, how you are doing it, what you have discovered and why it is an important contribution to knowledge.

Judging Criteria

You should present for an intelligent lay audience who is usually pretty smart but might not know anything about your field. They will usually be members of an university, but not necessarily academics.

Comprehension & Content
  • – Did the presentation provide an understanding of the background to the research question being addressed and its significance?
  • – Did the presentation clearly describe the key results of the research including conclusions and outcomes?
  • – Did the presentation follow a clear and logical sequence?
  • – Was the thesis topic, key results and research significance and outcomes communicated in language appropriate to a non-specialist audience?
  • – Did the speaker avoid scientific jargon, explain terminology and provide adequate background information to illustrate points?
  • – Did the presenter spend adequate time on each element of their presentation – or did they elaborate for too long on one aspect or was the presentation rushed?
Engagement & Communication
  • – Did the oration make the audience want to know more?
  • – Was the presenter careful not to trivialize or generalize their research?
  • – Did the presenter convey enthusiasm for their research?
  • – Did the presenter capture and maintain their audience’s attention?
  • – Did the speaker have sufficient stage presence, eye contact and vocal range; maintain a steady pace, and have a confident stance?
  • – Did the PowerPoint slide enhance the presentation – was it clear, legible, and concise?
  • – Did the presentation recording appear clear and free of distracting elements (unnecessary noise, background clutter, etc.)?

 

Prizes

  • – The winner of the 3MR final will receive a £100 voucher.
  • – The second runner-up will receive a £50 voucher.
  • – All participants will receive a participation certificate.

Registration

You can register by following the link provided below.