Twelve Brock University graduate students – including Paul Michael Pilkington, MSc in Earth Science – will have three minutes to explain their complex research to a live audience on Thursday, Feb.15 when the preliminary round fo the 2018 Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Challenge begins.

DATE: Thursday, Feb. 15

TIME: 4:30 to 6:30pm

LOCATION: Pond Inlet (Mackenzie Chown)

Now in its sixth year at Brock, the 3MT Challenge originated in Queensland, Australia in 2008 as a way for students to explain their research to a broad audience in plain, accessible terms. The contest has caught on around the world, and more than 40 schools in Canada participated last year.

“Part of being a successful researcher is learning how to communicate your work to an audience outside of your discipline,” says Diane Dupont, Interim Dean of Graduate Studies. “3MT allows students to practise how to distill a project to its essentials. This is a valuable skill to learn as students prepare for the next step of their academic studies or to transition to a career.”

This year’s competitors will present on topics ranging from algae to mindfulness to residential schools. Judging the preliminary round will be Kevin Cavanagh, Interim Director of Marketing and Communications; Kara Renaud, Supervisor, Career Education; and Brad McLean, Associate Director, Innovation and Commercialization in the Office of Research Services.

Using the key criteria of communication, engagement and comprehension, the judges will pick the top five presenters to advance to the Brock finals being held Thursday, March 29. The winner will receive $500 and will advance on to the Ontario regional round at York University on Thursday, April 19.

Thursday’s preliminary round is open to everyone and will be followed by a reception.