2025 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.

Co-organized by the College of Forestry, Northeast Forestry University in China, the 2025 AYSA 3MT competition invites senior undergraduate and graduate students in the Asia-Pacific region to showcase their research in the engaging Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition. Participants are encouraged to present on topics that align with one of the following themes:
1) Forest resources management
2) Biodiversity and Ecosystem
3) Wood Science, Bio-based Materials, Bio-Products, and Bioenergy.

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.

How to Enter

1. If Your Institution is Co-Hosting a Competition:

Register directly with your home institution to participate in the local AYSA 3MT competition. You can participate by preparing a 3-minute video presentation along with one static PowerPoint slide. Your institution will compile and submit a list of participating students for the semi-final competition.

2. If Your Institution is Not Co-Hosting:

You can participate by registering online with the AYSA: https://ubc.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_dipmpflto1mekVo 

After the registration, submit a 3-minute video presentation along with one static PowerPoint slide. Please submit your materials via email to apfecm.forestry@ubc.ca with the subject line: “2025 AYSA 3MT Competition”.

Submission Guidelines

Name your files in the following format: `given_name_family_name_Theme_name`. Include your Given Name, Family Name, and the topic of your presentation in the email body.

Timeline

The registration and submission deadline: October. 26, 2025 at 11:59 pm PT 

If your institution is co-hosting a competition, your institution will compile and submit a list of participating students for the semi-final competition.

The semi-final and final will be a live competition via Zoom. The dates below are tentative. We will update the dates once confirmed. 

Schedule of 2025 AYSA 3MT 

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