RSG 3 Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition

Presubmission deadline has been extended to Sunday, March 8!

Rackham Student Government (RSG) invites all U-M graduate & professional students from Ann Arbor, Dearborn, and Flint to explain the core idea of their research and its significance in a three minute video submission with a general audience in mind.

All eligible participants will have the opportunity to have their video submission featured on RSG social media channels. Winners of the Rackham Student Government Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition will receive monetary awards and all finalists will receive formal recognition.

The competition will include five categories: Division I, Division II, Division III, Division IV, and People’s Choice. Ten finalists will be selected in each category to advance from the preliminary round to the final in‑person round, and a first‑ and second‑place winner will be chosen in each category.

Rules & Eligibility

3MT details (e.g. rules, eligibility, rubrics) can be found here.

Awards

• First Place (each category): 500 USD

• Second Place (each category): 200 USD

• All Finalists: Three Minute Thesis Certificate, signed by President Grasso

Workshops

Regardless of whether you’re interested in submitting or not, there are two amazing workshops to consider attending! These workshops are optional but intended to help you prepare your preliminary submission materials (250 char. abstract + 3 minute video). RSVP is highly encouraged.

• (Optional) RELATE Workshop – Tuesday, February 17, 2026

  • Location: CHEM 4742 at 5:30–6:30 PM

  • RSVP: https://forms.gle/qEGysQnKaPLJDnTY8

  • Join RELATE for a workshop on the basics of science communication while preparing your 3MT preliminary submission materials. (Note: While the workshop focuses on science communication, the 3MT competition is open to students of all fields.)

• (Optional) From Academia to Life: Sharing Research with Purpose – Monday, February 23, 2026

  • Location: Rackham Building, 4th Floor, East Conference Room at 4–5 PM

  • RSVP: https://forms.gle/9b5hZFKLVBMrG6BeA

  • Join VP for Research and Innovation, Dr. Arthur Lupia, for a workshop on purposeful research communication while preparing your 3MT preliminary submission materials.

Important Dates & Deadlines

• Preliminary Submissions Due – Friday, February 27, 2026 (Extended) Sunday, March 8, 2026

  • Link to Submit: https://forms.gle/fCnGWiaLb5a6ahnj8

• Preliminary Decisions Announced – Friday, March 27, 2026

  • Participants who pass the preliminary round and advance to the final (in-person) round will be announced.

• Final (In-Person) Round – Monday, April 13, 2026

  • Location: Rackham Building, 4th Floor, Amphitheatre at 6:30–8 PM

  • Note: The competition will be followed by complimentary refreshments in the Rackham Building, 4th Floor, Assembly Hall at 8–9 PM. Winners, runner-ups, and prizes will be announced after the final round via email.