ORGANIZING SPONSORS

 
 
 

FRIENDS OF 3MT

 
 

The 2023 Bosnia & Herzegovina three-minute thesis (3MT) competition challenges students (Ph.D., Masters & Undergraduate) to communicate the significance of their research projects to a non-specialist audience in just three minutes and compete for over 20 000 BAM prize money.

Applications will be open on April 15, 2024. Awards Ceremony: June 15, 2024.

The 2024 Bosnia & Herzegovina 3MT competition provides Bachelor, Masters & Ph.D. students with the opportunity to develop their academic, presentation, research communication and community leadership skills by explaining their research to a non-specialist audience. In 2020, we successfully organised the inaugural competition in which Ph.D. students were the competitors. Following the success of the 2020 edition, we organised an equally successful competition for undergraduate/masters student researchers in the homeland but also abroad. The 3MT competition will be held virtually to allow anyone from anywhere to compete. Not only will students benefit from this experience, but their respective universities/faculties will have the opportunity to showcase their research and researchers throughout the Bosnia & Herzegovina network, as well as open doors to new collaborations and networks for both researchers and supervisors.

Students will have a maximum of three minutes to deliver a compelling presentation of one of the following:

  • Undergraduate, masters or Ph.D. dissertation (project) topic

  • Any other project/topic that was/is the part of their undergraduate/master dissertation

  • Any undergraduate or masters project (not just thesis) that has an element of research

3MT is not an exercise in trivializing or ‘dumbing-down’ research but forces students to consolidate their ideas and crystalize their research discoveries.

The competition will be judged by a local & international panel consisting of industry and academic professionals.

Why are we organising the 3MT competition and what do we hope to achieve?

The primary objective of the 3MT initiative will be to bring talented young undergraduate, masters & Ph.D. researchers with Bosnia & Herzegovina origins together under one umbrella with Bosnia & Herzegovina origins and give them a platform to:

  • Engage with each other and a greater researcher community

  • Build a community of young researchers and lay the foundations for future collaboration

  • Disseminate important research information to the general public

  • Build partnerships and friendships between collaborating organisations

  • Showcase the global research excellence of Bosnia & Herzegovina

  • Boost personal careers by gaining visibility and improving communication skills

  • Connect prospective students with world-class researchers of Bosnia & Herzegovina origins

Why you should participate?

Participation in the 3MT competition will allow students to develop many different skills. Former competitors have commented on the value of their experience in a variety of areas. Some highlighted reasons why you should participate:

  • Drastically improve your presentation skills and public speaking. Overcome public speaking anxiety and practice this important skill

  • Learn how to or enhance your research communication ability. Learn to effectively explain the breadth and significance of complex research to a non-specialist audience

  • Research perspective: Seeing how a research project fits within the larger picture is an important skill set. Distilling a research project into a three-minute general audience presentation allows participates to gain new perspectives on their research and helps contribute to their research and writing process

  • Build a global network: get to know other competitors from around the world, discuss your research and build long term friendships

  • Build key skills that are highly valued by employers in many sectors. These skills, such as public speaking and communication skills, can be featured prominently in application documents

Check out some great examples from our previous 3MT Competitions

How can you prepare yourself?

 

Virtual School of Research Communications

To better prepare for your 3MT presentation, we have created a specialized course. The Virtual School of Research Communications aims to educate participants on how to effectively communicate their research work to any audience and spark interest in the domain. The course is free and available on the Bosnia and Herzegovina Futures Foundation's course platform Futures e-Academy on demand. You can enroll here. Read more about VSRC here.

 

Competition Rules

  • Undergraduate and Master students can present any project/assignment that was/is part of their official studies that contains elements of originality (literature surveys or reports without original/critical analysis are not appropriate). The kind of projects students can present will vary depending on a particular field of study (e.g. experimental or theoretical research, critical essay/report, artistic research)

  • Ph.D. student should present their doctoral research work only

  • Presentations are to be done in English (the international language of research) or local languages (Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian). However: Preference should be English

  • Presentations are limited to 3 minutes and competitors exceeding 3 minutes will not be allowed to compete

  • A single static slide (Visual aid) is permitted (no slide transitions, animations or 'movement' of any description)

  • The video can be recorded at home or another venue but must have only one camera angle filmed from a static position. You must be visible when presenting

  • The 3-minute audio must be continuous – no edits breaks etc. (This is why you must be visible at all times)

  • Presentations are considered to have commenced when a presenter starts their presentation through movement or speech

  • No additional electronic media (e.g. sound and video files) are permitted within the video recording. The focus is on your presentation skills

  • The decision of the judging committee is final

Judging

The judging is broken up into two sections with 5 criteria each. Each section is equally weighted. Each sections will be marked out of 5 (1 = weak, 5 = outstanding) and you will receive a score total out of 50. Judges will also provide comments for each presentation that can be used as justification for scores. Feedback can be provided to students upon request once the competition has concluded.

Comprehension and content

  • Did the presentation provide an understanding of the background and significance to the research question being addressed, while explaining terminology and avoiding jargon?

  • Did the presentation clearly describe the impact and/or results of the research, including conclusions and outcomes?

  • Did the presentation follow a clear and logical sequence?

  • Was the thesis topic, research significance, results/impact and outcomes communicated in language appropriate to a non-specialist audience?

  • 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?

Engagement and communication

  • Did the oration make the audience want to know more?

  • Was the presenter careful not to trivialise or generalise 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 Visual Aid (slide/image) enhance the presentation - was it clear, legible, and concise?

Please note: Competitors *will not* be judged on video/ recording quality or editing capabilities (optional inclusions). However, your presentation must be audible. Judging will focus on the presentation, ability to communicate research to a non-specialist audience, and 3MT visual aid (slide/image).

Please note: As decided by the judging committee, if an applicant does not have a slide/visual aid, then the mark for the previous category will be doubled.

Judges

  • Emina Alickovic, Department of Electrical Engineering Linköping University, Sweden

  • Amra Hasečić, University of Sarajevo - Faculty of Mechanical Engineering

  • Ajla Akšamija, University of Utah

  • Zlatan Akšamija, University of Utah

  • Amir Tabakovic, Revolution Road Ltd

  • Lejla Alic, University Of Twente

  • Vedad Hadziavdic, Wintershall Dea

  • Vedrana Mladina, New York University Abu Dhabi

  • Eldad Herceg, Dow Chemical

  • Haris Krijestorac, HEC Paris

  • Milan Vrućinić, Accenture

  • Nerma Caluk, Skidmore Owings & Merrill

  • Ms, Dr. Smirna Malkoč, University of Teacher Education Styria

  • Dženeta Karabegović, University of Salzburg

  • Sandra Hasanefendic, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

  • Nina Đumrukčić, University of Cologne

  • Belma Bourne, Walt Disney World and Nova Southeastern University

  • Merisa Nisic, Propel Health Communications

  • Sandra Selmanovic, Munich University of Applied Sciences and Anglia Ruskin University

  • Nina Adjanin, Northwest Missouri State University

  • Larisa Kurtović, UNIVERSITY OF OTTAWA

  • Dr. Amela Dizdarevic, IBM / Technische Hochschule Ingolstadt

  • Hasan Zahirović, Silesian Univerzity, Czech Republik

  • Rijad Sarić, La Trobe University

  • Martina Trogrlić, TU-Graz/RCPE GmbH

  • Amra Salihbegović, Polytechnic University of Milan

  • Una Tanović, University of Massachusetts Amherst

  • Merima Nurkanović Hot , Allianz Deutschland

  • Farah Kamberovic, Vall d´Hebron Institute of Oncology, Hospital Vall d´Hebron, Barcelona

  • Mirza Ramić, GRUNDFOS

  • Prof Ahmed Kovacevic, City, University of London

  • Belma Kalamujić Stroil, University of Sarajevo-Institute for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology

  • Danijela Bjelogrlic, Southern New Hampshire University

  • Sabit Delić, MLL Munich Leukemia Laboratory

  • Azra Mujić-Delić, Genmab

  • Muhamed Mulahmetović, Trinity College Dublin

  • Dženan Zukić, Kitware Inc.

  • Nirvana Pištoljević, EDUS-Education for All

  • Harun Muhić, 360dialog

  • Kristina Jajčević, EASL

  • Amela Delić Aščić, University of Tuzla

  • Almir Aljović, University of Munich

  • Edin Golubovic, EnOcean GmbH

  • Amila Akagic, University of Sarajevo

  • Maja Babić , University of Groningen

  • Emir Nazdrajić, University of Waterloo

  • Kenan Tokmic, Entegris

  • Nejra Ćosić-Mujkanović, Medical University of Graz, Pharmacology

  • Đenita Kuštrić-Kurtić, University of Sarajevo, Academy of Fine Arts

  • Tarriq Purivatra, Autodesk

  • Mirza Grebo, UC Berkeley

  • Faruk Šehić

  • Nerkez Opacin, RMIT University

  • Riad Hajdarevic, Oslo University Hospital

  • Emil Knezović, International University of Sarajevo

  • Anela Topčagić, University of Sarajevo, Faculty of Science

  • Svetlana Pelemiš, University of East Sarajevo, Faculty of Technology

  • Maja Arslanagić-Kalajdžić, University of Sarajevo

  • Ajla Ališah, University of Sarajevo- Veterinary faculty

  • Azra Frkatović-Hodžić, Genos

  • Zerina Kurtović, Karolinska Institutet

  • Elmedin Selmanović, University of Sarajevo - Faculty of Science

  • Jelena Šimunović, Genos Ltd

  • Demir Bektic, International University of Monaco

  • Samir Foric, University of Sarajevo

  • Edin Husic, IDSIA

  • Merima Šabanović, Weill Cornell Medical College

  • Amina Tucak-Smajić, University of Sarajevo - Faculty of Pharmacy

  • Mirjana Šipovac, Faculty of Technology Zvornik, University of East Sarajevo

  • Ismar Lutvikadic, University of Sarajevo - Veterinary Faculty

  • Sabina Hodžić, University of Rijeka/Faculty of Tourism and Hospitality Management

  • Kemal Aganovic, DIL German Institute of Food Technologies e.V.

  • Vedran Karahodžić, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Sarajevo

  • Andi Alijagic, Örebro University

  • Amra Jahić, Helmut Schmidt University, Hamburg, Germany

  • Edin Smailhodžić, University of Groningen

  • Ajla Džanko, University of Kyoto, Japan

  • Amir Čaušević, University of Sarajevo/Faculty of health sciences

  • Senada Zatagić, MEF University Istanbul

  • Haris Piplaš, ETH Zurich / Drees&Sommer

  • Damir Hamamdzic, Johnson and Johnson

  • Rijad Kaniža, University of Sarajevo - Academy of Music & Institute for Contemporary Artistic Music INSAM

  • Dr. Zlatan Mujagić, Maastricht University Medical Center

  • Želimir Husnić , Boeing, BDS

  • Amar Ćemanović, Istanbul Technical University

  • Dalila Destanović, Yale University

  • Tanja Sovic, TU Wien

  • Emma Pinjić, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

  • Amel Duraković, Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences

  • Helena Mihaljević, Hochschule für Technik und Wirtschaft Berlin

  • Zlatan Mujkić, Euro Bau d.o.o.

  • Maja Varatanović, Veterinary faculty, University of Sarajevo

  • Merima Balic, Schweizer Zahnarzt

  • Azra Bihorac, University of Florida

  • Ines Dedović, Jonas & Redmann

  • Hana Hodžić, Faculty of Electrical Engineering Sarajevo

  • Vahida Velić, European Astronaut Centre

  • Saša Mrdović, Elektrotehnički fakultet, Unverzitet u Sarajevu

  • Mirza Pasic, University of Sarajevo - Faculty of Mechanical Engineering

  • Mirza Hebib, University of Sarajevo

  • Zlatan Stanojević, Global TCAD Solutions GmbH

  • Merima Čaušević, University of Sarajevo - Faculty of Educational Sciences

  • Adis Muminovic, University of Sarajevo - Faculty of Mechanical Engineering

  • Belma Memić, University of Sarajevo Faculty of traffic and communications

  • Nasir Muftić , University of Sarajevo

  • Ermin Muharemović, University of Sarajevo - Faculty of traffic and communication

  • Marija Mitrović, University of East Sarajevo, Faculty of Technology

  • Lejla Panjeta, University SSST

  • Almir Osmanović, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering Tuzla

  • Irmina Sefić Pašić, Clinical Center University of Maribor

  • Anes Karić

  • Amra Kožo, University of Sarajevo - School of Economics and Business

  • Bartolomej Stanković, Music Academy of East Sarajevo

  • Arman Korajac, University of Ljubljana & Jožef Stefan Institute

Who can apply?

  • Born in Bosnia & Herzegovina / Have Bosnian citizenship or be considered diaspora (For example, if you were born in the USA but draw roots from Bosnia & Herzegovina you are eligible). You are also eligible if you were born in Bosnia & Herzegovina but are undertaking your undergraduate, master studies or Ph.D. in another country or in BH

  • Currently enrolled into an undergraduate/masters program OR completed studies in the last 12 months

  • Any discipline is eligible

  • Students who have not already presented the same or similar research in some of our previous 3MT competitions

Awards

We recognize the importance of this competition, its significance for research in the Bosnia & Herzegovina global community but also value your work and time.

Ph.D., Bachelor and Masters students will be judged separately.

There will be two types of awards. The first is judging conducted by an independent committee of academics and the second category of awards will be judged by the public.

Public voting is counted by the number of thumbs up on your YouTube video.

Undergraduate/Masters/Ph.D. total award pool is up to  20,000 BAM. 

Awards for Ph.D. candidates

1st Place - 3000 BAM

2nd Place - 2000 BAM

3rd Place  - 1000 BAM

Awards for Master candidates

1st Place - 1500 BAM

2nd Place - 1000 BAM

3rd Place  - 500 BAM

Awards for Bachelor candidates

1st Place - 1500 BAM

2nd Place - 1000 BAM

3rd Place  - 500 BAM

Awards (judged by the public via YouTube)

  • Best overall presentation as judged by public (Ph.D.) - 1000 BAM

  • Best overall presentation as judged by public (Masters) - 500 BAM

  • Best overall presentation as judged by public (Bachelor) - 500 BAM

Best overall presentations – Special Awards

  • Best overall STEM presentation - 500 BAM

  • Best overall Humanities/Arts presentation - 500 BAM

  • Best overall Medical/Physical Sciences presentation - 500 BAM

  • Best overall Business/Economics/Law presentation - 500 BAM

  • 3MT Alumni Choice Award – 500 BAM

Submission details & Application

Videos will be submitted by applicants via a website form (given below). The competitor should provide a link so that we can download your video. (please ensure your link is not set to private)

  1. Your video submission can be in English or local languages (Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian).

  2. If your video submission is in English, you will need to provide Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian closed caption or .srt file.

  3. If your video submission is in Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian, you will need to provide English closed caption or .srt file.

  4. There will be an initial screening to see eligibility and quality upon which the videos will be uploaded to our YouTube channel.  

  5. Videos will be uploaded on our YouTube channel and ready for full public sharing. This will be the primary hosting of videos.

In the Google form below, we must seek permission for the presentations to be publicly shared. Each competitor will need to make sure they check this with their supervisors and institutions. If selected into the finals, competitors will be notified. Their video shall be uploaded on the competition official YouTube channel.

Important Dates

  • applications open: April 14th - MAY 4TH, 2025 

  • judging process and voting period: MAY 19th - June 8th, 2025

  • 3MT Awards Ceremony and result announcement: June 14th, 2025 (online)

  • 3MT & Research Meetup Sarajevo: June 21st, 2025