2026 AYSA Three Minute Thesis Competition

As a significant event to explore the future of forestry, the Asia-Pacific Young Scientists Association (AYSA) holds an annual Three Minute Thesis (3MT) virtual competition to provide a broader international platform to promote mutual learning among students of diverse backgrounds. This is your chance to inspire, compete, and share your research on a global stage!

2026 KEY DATES Registration & submission: Due Oct 25, 2026 Semi-final (live): Nov 13, 2026 Final (live): Nov 27, 2026

PRIZES (CAD) First place: $1,000 Second place: $600 Third place: $300

Themes: Forest Resources Management  •  Biodiversity and Ecosystem •  Wood Science, Bio-based Materials, Bio-Products, and Bioenergy

Eligibility: Open to graduate students in the Asia-Pacific region. Co-hosting institutions run their own registration and selection process ahead of the dates above.

AYSA 3MT Competition Structure

The competition will begin with a preliminary selection process through video and PowerPoint slide submissions. Successful candidates will then advance to the semi-final and final rounds, which will take place live via Zoom.

To participate in our competition, please register by October 25, 2026.

After registration, submit your 3 MT video and one-page static PowerPoint slide to:

Currently we are calling all universities to co-host the 2026 AYSA 3MT competition.

CALLING ALL UNIVERSITIES

Co-Host the 2026 AYSA 3MT Competition

Partner with the Asia-Pacific Young Scientists Association to bring the Three Minute Thesis Competition to your students — a global stage where graduate researchers turn their thesis into a three-minute story for a non-specialist audience.

WHY CO-HOST

Global stage Give your graduate students an international platform to sharpen presentation and communication skills.	Regional network Join a growing community of forestry-focused universities and research centres across the Asia-Pacific.
Your own heat Run a university-level round first, then send your strongest presenters to the regional final.	Shared visibility Appear alongside AP-FECM, UBC Forestry, APFNet, and the Asia Forest Research Center as a co-organizer.

Arrangement:

Step 1: Host 3MT Competitions at the university level

Proposed time:

September: Registration

October: Semi-finals and Finals (In person or online)

Step 2: Registration and selection of AYSA 3MT Competitions

November:  Recommendation and submission from partner universities

Step 3: AYSA 3MT Semi-final and Final  

Ready to co-host? Contact  suzy.zeng@ubc.ca

Rules

• A single, static PowerPoint slide is permitted (no slide transitions, animations or ‘movement’ of any description, the slide is to be presented from the beginning of the oration). Images used in the slide must be your own, or you must have permission from the owner of the photo(s) and provide proper credit(s).
• No additional electronic media (e.g. sound and video files) are permitted.
• No additional props (e.g. laser pointers, costumes, laboratory equipment or musical instruments) are permitted.
• No notes allowed. Presentations are to be memorized. For virtual presentations, do not read from notes.
• Presentations are limited to 3 minutes maximum. Judges are recommended to deduct marks from presentations that exceed 3 minutes.
• Presentations are to be spoken word (e.g. no poems, raps or songs).
• Presentations must be based on research directly related to the student’s current graduate program thesis. Research performed for employment should not be present. Research completed as part of a prior degree should not be presented as current work.
• Presentations are considered to have commenced when a presenter starts their presentation through movement or speech.
• Video presentations should focus on the presenter in the centre of the screen, from about the waist up. The presenter and camera will not move during the presentation (i.e. you will remain seated or standing in one place for the full duration of the presentation). Hand gestures and body language are okay.
• The 3 minute audio must be continuous – no edits, breaks etc.
• Presentations should be recorded inside, with a minimalist background (i.e. a blank wall). Do not include any visuals complementing your presentation (the only visual allowed is your one 3MT slide).
• Presenters must agree to have their video streamed live to participate in the 3MT live competitions.
• The decision made by the adjudicating panel is final.

Judging Criteria

1. Comprehension & Content:

• Did the presentation provide an understanding of the background to the research question being addressed and its significance?
• Did the presentation clearly describe the key results of the research including conclusions and outcomes?
• Did the presentation follow a clear and logical sequence?
• Were the thesis topic, key results and research significance and outcomes communicated in language appropriate to a non-specialist audience?
• Did the speaker avoid scientific jargon, explain terminology and provide adequate background information to illustrate points?
• 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?

2. Engagement & Communication:

• Did the oration make the audience want to know more?
• Was the presenter careful not to trivialize or generalize their research?
• Did the presenter convey enthusiasm for their research?
• Did the presenter capture and maintain their audience’s attention?
• Did the speaker have sufficient stage presence, eye contact and vocal range; maintain a steady pace, and have a confident stance?
• Did the PowerPoint slide enhance the presentation – was it clear, legible, and concise?

Prizes

Prize	Amount (CAD)	Number of Recipients
First place	$1,000	TBD
Second place	$600	TBD
Third place	$300	TBD