Oscars

2024 Competition

Major congratulations to 2024's winners and finalists:

• Mia Provenzano, 1st place, $2,000
• Nife Oseni, 2nd Place, $1,000
• Jess Mitchell, 3rd Place, $500
• Savannah Swanson, Finalist & People’s Choice, $500
• Bryn Burnham, Finalist, $250
• Kayla Pintar, Finalist, $250
• Aanya Datta, Finalist, $250
• Lydia Caggiano, Finalist, $250

Registration is now closed for this year's competition. We exceeded our maximum number of registrants.  Registrants will be notified by January 31, 2024. 

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About the OSCARS

Based on the Three Minute Thesis^® (3MT), founded by The University of Queensland in 2008, the OSCARS Impact Competition challenges undergraduate students to present a compelling oration on their research/creative work and its significance.

Can you consolidate your project into three minutes, with one-slide, and still conveys its impact to a non-specialist audience?

OSCARS 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).
• No additional electronic media (e.g., sound and video files) are permitted.
• No additional props (e.g., costumes, musical instruments, laboratory equipment) are permitted.
• Presentations are limited to 3 minutes maximum and competitors exceeding 3 minutes are disqualified.
• Presentations are to be spoken word (e.g., no poems, raps or songs).
• Presentations are to commence from the stage.
• Presentations are considered to have commenced when a presenter starts their presentation through movement or speech.
• The decision of the adjudicating panel is final.
• Hand-held notes are allowed but not suggested.

Accommodations can be made for students with disabilities. Contact Roxanne Male'-Brune, male-bru@ohio.edu.

Judging Criteria

Comprehension & Content

• Did the presentation:
  • Provide an understanding of the background of the research question being addressed and its significance?
  • Clearly describe the key results of the research/creative work including conclusions and outcomes?
  • Drive home the potential impact of the project to the field and to society?
  • Follow a clear and logical sequence?
• Were the topic, key results and significance and outcomes communicated in language appropriate to a non-specialist audience?
• Did the presenter:
  • Avoid scientific jargon?
  • Explain the terminology?
  • Provide adequate background information to illustrate points?
• Did the presenter spend adequate time on each element of the presentation, or did they elaborate for too long on one aspect, or was the presentation rushed?

Engagement

• Did the oration make the audience want to know more? Was the presenter careful not to trivialize or generalize the research/creative work?
• Did the presenter:

• Convey enthusiasm for the project?
• Capture and maintain the audience’s attention?
• 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?

Awards and Prizes

This year's prizes are sponsored by alum and current OHIO employee, Mike Dibenedetto, Senior Research Program Engineer • Avionics Engineering Center

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Prizes are:

• 1st place - $2,000
• 2nd place - $1,000
• 3rd place - $500
• Each remaining finalist - $250
• People's Choice Award - $250

Registration Deadlines

Registration Opens: Wednesday, January 24, 2024, 9:00 am
Registration Closes: Tuesday, January 30, 2024, by 5:00 PM

NOTE: registration will be capped at 32 participants as a first come, first serve basis.

Participant Confirmation - Wednesday, January 31, 2024

Slide Submission Deadline - Wednesday February 21, 2024 by 11:59 p.m.

Format

Eligibility

Any currently enrolled undergraduate candidate enrolled at Ohio University .

All participants must be available to participate in one of the semi-final rounds (either Tuesday, February 27, 2024 OR Thursday, February 29, 2024) AND the final round (Tuesday, March 5, 2024).

Recorded Presentations - Note these are graduate students from our 3MT Competitions.

• 2020 Ohio University Three Minute Thesis® Competition winning presentations
• 2019 Three Minute Thesis® Competition winning presentations 
• 2018 Ohio University Three Minute Thesis® Competition winning presentations
• 2017 Ohio University Three Minute Thesis® Competition winning presentations

To help you prepare your slide, watch a short video prepared by Sean McGraw, the 2016 Ohio University Three Minute Thesis® Competition winner.

Prepare Your 3MT Slide