Three Minute Thesis Competition 2026

audience members look toward the front of a lecture hall with the words "GOOD LUCK STUDENTS" written on a chalkboard

CHC Three Minute Thesis Competition

Semifinals: April 18, 2026 
Finals: April 30, 2026

Sign up to compete (Deadline April 1)

You're invited to our community celebration!

2026 Competition Finals and Reception

Thursday, April 30, 2026 
7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Lillis Business Complex, 182 & Atrium

RSVP required

The Three Minute Thesis is more than a competition. It's a showcase for CHC seniors' hard work on their thesis projects, a celebration of the power of research and a learning opportunity for the wider UO community. 

Come hear what it sounds like when research is communicated well. Come see 10 students who understood the assignment and have proudly condensed months of work into three minutes and one slide. Come find inspiration for your own research!

RSVP to Attend Three Minute Thesis

photo collage of students presenting at three minute thesis

Three Minute Thesis is the Honors College's premiere event

Students compete for the top three places in the annual contest. Prize money for first is $1,000; $750 for second; and $500 for third. 

Read about last year's competition

laptop with three-minute countdown timer next to large bouquets on table

What is Three Minute Thesis?

Initiated in 2008 by the University of Queensland, Three Minute Thesis competitions have spread across the world, offering both undergraduates and graduate students the opportunity to refine their abilities in orally communicating their research.

The CHC Three Minute Thesis competition challenges students to prepare and present a compelling speech about their thesis project and explain its significance to an audience and panel of judges using only one slide. 

crowd in lecture hall at three minute thesis 2024

Support our event

The CHC Three Minute Thesis is a unique opportunity to connect with our remarkable students and to celebrate honors education at the University of Oregon. Your support of this signature event allows CHC students to showcase the culmination of four years of interdisciplinary work and to hone essential professional skills.

The competition attracts hundreds of guests including students, faculty, family, friends, and partners in the UO community. The CHC is comprised of 1,366 students and 4,653 alums.

To help offset the cost of hosting this event, please donate here via our CHC Dean’s Innovation Fund

Support the CHC Three Minute Thesis