3 Minute thesis contestants

3 minute thesis competition

Awesome science, well communicated

As any veteran scientist will tell you: sometimes it’s not what you study but how well you present your ideas that determines how your science is appreciated. That’s the guiding philosophy behind the Faculty of Dentistry’s inaugural 3 Minute Thesis Competition, which was held on December 3 in the Auditorium. 

In mounting the event, the Faculty of Dentistry joins an estimated 200 universities who also hold an annual 3MT competition. But while the schools may vary greatly, the rules of engagement remain the same:  Graduate students present their research with one slide and over the course of exactly (not a second more) 180 seconds. 

Presentations were given before audiences and a panel of guest judges, many of whom were not scientists but administrative staff. The judges graded each presentation for comprehensibility, engagement level, and effective communication. 

“I was inspired by the professionalism and depth of knowledge of the students,” says guest judge Selina Esteves, director of advancement. She considered her non-science background an advantage to her role in the competition, as it forced the contestants to communicate to a wide variety of people. “I learned several new things from each contestant and was overall impressed by the calibre of the presentations.”

Of the 12 participants, three contestants (Lisbeth Ayoud; Rolland Gillies; and Julie Farmer) have been selected to present again at the Faculty of Dentistry’s annual Research Day, taking place on February 11, 2020. 

While three were chosen, says associate professor Laurent Bozec, the organizer behind the event, everyone was a winner. “I hope those who were not selected will still take something out of this process to further develop their communication skills.” 

The winner of the Research Day competition will be put forward to University of Toronto semi-final competition.

 

Photo: courtesy Laurent Bozec