As a significant event to explore thefuture of forestry, the Asia-Pacific Young Scientists Association (AYSA) plans to hold the Three Minute Thesis (3MT) virtual competition. This activity is open to graduate-level students in the Asia-Pacific region. Students arewelcome to register and discuss topics of interest related to forestry resources, biomass materials and energy, and biodiversity (details of Topics could be seen below). AYSA aims to provide a broader international platform to promote mutual learning among students of diverse backgrounds.
Schedule outline
The registration and submission is due Nov. 10, 2023.
Each candidate needs to prepare a 3-minute video and one static PowerPoint slide and send to apfecm.forestry@ubc.ca. For the submission, please name your files in the given format: first name_family name_ the given theme.
Our given themes include 1) Forest Resources Management, 2) Biodiversity and Ecosystem, and 3) Bio-based materials/products, and bioenergy (including wood science).
The semi-finals and finals will be a live competition via Zoom. The detailed dates will be confirmed via emails later for both semi-finals and finals.
Schedule of 3MT
Schedule
Date
Registration deadline
November 10, 2023
Submission deadline (video and PPT slide)
November 10, 2023
Semi-finals (live)
5 PM, November 24, 2023 (Vancouver time)
Finals (live)
5 PM, December 08, 2023 (Vancouver time)
Watch our live competition
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 final.
•The decision of 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?
