Three Minute Thesis ULisboa 2026 - Applications open until 22 February

In 2026, the University of Lisbon organizes the 4th edition of the 3MT competition, challenging its PhD students to explain, in a span of three minutes and using a single slide, the impact of their research to a non-specialized audience. Applications are open from 2 to 22 February.

In holding the 3 Minute Thesis (3MT), University of Lisbon aims to stimulate the science communication skills of PhD students. Taking into consideration that the new knowledge produced in universities is essential for solving major societal challenges, the promotion of the dialogue between science and society is especially important in the training process of these PhD students.

In this competition, students are challenged to explain the importance and impact of their research to a non-specialized audience, while also promoting scientific culture and fostering interdisciplinarity and mutual knowledge at University of Lisbon.

The 3MT academic competition at University of Lisbon aims to develop the unique skills of PhD students, such as communicating complex ideas simply and creatively to diverse audiences in just 3 minutes. This challenge is inspired by a format developed and patented by the University of Queensland, Australia (3MT®), which ULisboa has developed in previous editions in 2023, 2024 and 2025.

What are the prizes?

The first-place winner receives a prize of €5,000.00, the second-place winner receives €2,000.00, and the third-place winner receives €1,000.00.

Applicants in Phase 1 will be offered a Science Communication training course and receive a certificate of participation. Phase 2 finalists and prize winners will additionally be awarded merit recognition diplomas.

For questions related to the competition, please contact: 3MT@reitoria.ulisboa.pt

See all the information on this initiative's page to find out some tips to get into the competition and to achieve the prize.

More information