Share your research and grow your communication skills.
The Graduate Student Research Symposium is an afternoon dedicated to research communication, knowledge sharing, and showcasing the innovative work of Waterloo graduate students.
Graduate student research competitions
GRADflix and 3MT® finalists will be featured at the Graduate Student Research Symposium.
GRADflix
GRADflix is a video competition for graduate students in which participants create a video, moving slideshow, or animation of no longer than 60 seconds (one minute) that describes their research to a non-specialized audience.
Three Minute Thesis (3MT®)
3MT® is an international graduate student competition in which participants present their research and its impact in an in-person presentation of three minutes or less, using only one static slide, to a non-specialized audience.
GRADflix, 3MT®, and the Graduate Student Research Symposium are generously supported through the Graduate Studies Endowment Fund.
Why should I participate in a research communication competition?
-
Expand the skill of distilling your research to a non-specialist audience
-
Gain broader exposure for your research and your research impact
-
Broaden your communication skills
-
Apply the skills you learn to your teaching
-
Win cash prizes
-
Learn a new skill
-
Expand your network and connect with peers across the university
-
Apply your new skills to other competitions and opportunities
Cash prizes
| GRADflix | 3MT® | |
|---|---|---|
| First place | $1000 | $1000 |
| Second place | $500 | $500 |
| Third place | $300 | $300 |
| Finalist's choice | $200 | $200 |
Which competition is right for me?
Graduate students who wish to participate must choose one competition, as students cannot compete in both competitions in the same year. Review the summaries below to determine which competition is right for you.
GRADflix
- Enhance your digital communication skills
- Use creativity to share your story and research
- Create a video that's easy to share on social media
- Participate even if you are remote or in an online program
- Option to incorporate alternative forms of communication, such as music, poetry, or props
- Enter national competitions such as the SSHRC Storytellers
3MT®
- Strengthen your research elevator pitch
- Build your confidence speaking in front of an audience
- Receive a recording of your presentation at the Graduate Student Research Symposium if you're a finalist
- Prepare for traditional academic speeches and presentations
- Have the potential to progress to provincial and national 3MT® competitions
Graduate Student Research Symposium 2027
The Graduate Student Research Symposium will take place on Thursday, April 8, 2027, at the Centre for International Governance Innovation from 1 to 5:30 p.m.
Registration will open in January 2027.
If you have any questions about GRADflix, 3MT®, or the Graduate Student Research Symposium, please contact Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs at gradexperience@uwaterloo.ca.