For 2026 3MT winners, communicating complex ideas in a concise, meaningful way is an ‘essential skill.’
Big issues. New ideas. Three minutes.
Graduate students at the University of Manitoba took centre stage this week as the 2026 Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition celebrated excellence in research communication.
Held annually, the 3MT challenges graduate students to present their research in just three minutes to a non-specialist audience. The short timeframe and context tests not only the depth of their work, but their ability to make it engaging and accessible.
Hosted by Colleen Bready from CTV news, this year’s competition showcased a diverse range of research topics, from scientific and medical innovation to social impact.
It was adjudicated by a distinguished panel of judges, including Anne Mahon, Moe Levy and Mark O'Riley, who evaluated presentations based on comprehension, engagement, and communication.
The judges praised participants for their clarity, creativity, and confidence, noting the high calibre of presentations across all disciplines.
“The ability to communicate complex ideas in a concise and meaningful way is an essential skill,” one judge commented following the event.
Check out the list of winners below.
The Challengers Choice award is voted on by the 12 challengers who competed.
Second place winner Quinton Murdock will also represent UM at the Western Regional competition being held at the University of Regina on May 4.
As the 2026 competition concludes, UM organizers say the event remains a powerful platform for celebrating graduate research while building skills that extend far beyond the laboratory and classroom.
At UM, we encourage life-long curiosity while providing tools – inside and outside the classroom – to succeed in a rapidly changing world. Empowering learners is one of the strategic themes you’ll find in MomentUM: Leading change together, the University of Manitoba’s 2024–2029 strategic plan.
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