The Ma thèse en 180 secondes / Three-Minute Thesis competition asks doctoral students to present their research topic in simple terms to a diverse general audience. Each student must, in three minutes, present a clear, concise and nevertheless convincing explanation of their research project. The objective is to convey your passion for your research while informing people in an accurate, creative way.

Polytechnique has taken honours at past competitions: Viviane Lalande (2012) and  Sami Hached (2014) at the finals held by the Association francophone pour le savoir (Acfas).

NEW! This year, Polytechnique is also taking part in the English-language Three-Minute Thesis (3MT) competition organized by the Canadian Association for Graduate Studies (CAGS). Therefore, there will be an internal competition in French and one in English at Polytechnique.

POLYTECHNIQUE’S INTERNAL COMPETITION
The Office of Academic and International Affairs and the Association des étudiants des cycles supérieurs de Polytechnique (AÉCSP), Polytechnique’s graduate student association, are organizing the internal selection competition for Polytechnique students. The competition winners will be determined by a jury made up of members of Polytechnique’s faculty and Québec’s science media.

For each version of the competition (French/English), the prizes are:
1st prize: $500 and entrance into the finals at Acfas (French) and ACES (English)
2nd prize: $250
3rd prize: $150
The audience choice award will be given following a vote by those in attendance.

The Polytechnique competition will take place on Thursday, February 19, 2015 at 12:30 (Bell Amphitheater). Coffee and pastries will be provided by the AÉCSP during the judges’ deliberations.

WHY TAKE PART?
The Ma thèse en 180 secondes / Three-Minute Thesis competition provides you with a unique opportunity to polish your communication skills, while also giving you the chance to talk about your research in a public space. The presentations given at the university finals will be filmed and posted online. As well, it’s an excellent showcase for the media. For example, after winning in 2014, Sami Hached was able to share his passion for his research work in Québec Science magazine, Le Journal de Montréal and on the show Les années lumière on ICI Radio-Canada.

TO ENTER
First, you must let Dominic Villiard know about your interest in entering the competition. Then, send a maximum 450-word summary on the topic of your presentation.

DEADLINE FOR SIGNING UP (French and English): January 30, 2015
DEADLINE FOR SENDING YOUR SUMMARY (French or English): February 6, 2015

More information: polymtl.ca/es/mt180/en