Do you believe that your dissertation research can contribute to and inspire climate action? Does your dissertation topic address the challenge of energy and/or climate change? Are you prepared to put your time where your mouth is?
Three minutes of your time, to be precise?
If so, we have some great news. The 3MPlanet competition is back!
Competition Details
How to Enter
Prospective entrants are invited to fill in the 3MPlanet application form where they are asked to include their research title and a 150-word pitch.
The selection committee will then choose finalists who will receive expert training and prepared a three-minute presentation on their research, following the competition rules:
- Strictly 3 minutes in length. Any presentation beyond the 3-minute limit will be disqualified.
- Up to three static slides containing images only.
- No props, no additional video or audio files, no costumes.
- Spoken word only (no poems, no songs, no rapping).
- Judging panel’s decisions are final.
The presentations will be delivered in front of live audience, and an expert judging panel, during the 3MPlanet final.
Important dates:
- Monday 17th February 2025 – Deadline for Applications
- Week commencing 10 March 2025 – training for the finalists
- Late March/Early April – Live Final
Eligibility
The competition is open to the University of St Andrews undergraduate honours students from all disciplines who are either currently working on their dissertations, or who have submitted their dissertation in the 24/25 academic session.
The presentations need to be based on the applicant’s own original dissertation research (either fieldwork, lab experiment, or literature- based).
Prizes
- The winner of the 3MPlanet event will receive: £250
- The runner up will receive: £150
- The public vote laureate will receive: £150
In addition to cash prizes, the three winners will be invited to produce blog entries about their research which will be published on the Centre for Energy Ethics’ The Energy Blog and/or take part in a special episode of the All About Energy podcast.
Judging Criteria
Comprehension and content:
- Did the presentation provide an understanding of the background and significance to the research question being addressed, while explaining terminology and avoiding jargon?
- Did the presentation clearly demonstrate the relevance of the research to climate change, climate action and/or energy?
- Did the presentation clearly describe the results of the research, including conclusions and outcomes?
- Did the presentation follow a clear and logical sequence?
- Was the dissertation topic, research significance, results/impact and outcomes communicated in language appropriate to a non-specialist audience?
- 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 and communication:
- Did the oration make the audience want to know more?
- Was the presenter careful not to trivialise or generalise their research?
- Did the presenter convey enthusiasm for their research?
- Did the speaker have sufficient stage presence?
- Did the images used enhance the presentation – were they clear, legible, and concise?
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