Registration for GRADflix and 3MT® competitions now open
How would you explain your research to someone outside your field? Could you capture its impact in just 60 seconds, or deliver a compelling presentation in three minutes?
Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs invites University of Waterloo graduate students to test their research communication skills through the 2026–27 GRADflix and Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) competitions.
Both competitions challenge participants to translate complex research into engaging, accessible stories for non-specialist audiences. Whether you're interested in exploring creative digital storytelling or strengthening your public speaking skills, you can share your research in a way that works for you.
GRADflix
Get creative and bring your research to life! GRADflix challenges graduate students to create a video, animation or moving slideshow of 60 seconds or less that explains their research to a non-specialist audience.
From live-action videos to animation and mixed media, there are countless ways to tell your research story. GRADflix offers an opportunity to explore creative approaches to communication, build digital storytelling skills and produce a video that can be shared with a broader audience.
Learn more about the GRADflix competition →
Three Minute Thesis (3MT®)
Can you explain the significance of your research in just three minutes? The international Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) competition challenges graduate students to deliver an engaging, accessible presentation about their research using only one static slide.
It's an opportunity to build confidence in public speaking, strengthen your research elevator pitch and develop presentation skills that extend beyond the competition. The University of Waterloo winner will also advance to the provincial 3MT® competition.
Learn more about the 3MT® competition →
Why participate?
Research communication is a valuable skill, whether you're presenting at an academic conference, sharing your work with community partners or explaining your research to someone outside your field.
Participating in GRADflix or 3MT® offers an opportunity to:
- Develop transferable skills: Learn to communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively to different audiences.
- Increase your research visibility: Share your work and its impact with audiences beyond your field.
- Build your confidence: Challenge yourself to try new communication techniques, from digital storytelling to public speaking.
- Connect with fellow researchers: Meet graduate students from across disciplines and expand your network.
- Compete for cash prizes: Both competitions offer prizes of $1,000 for first place, $500 for second place, $300 for third place and $200 for Finalists' Choice.
No previous experience is required! Resources, tutorials and coaching opportunities are available to help you prepare.
Ready to get started?
Registration for both competitions is open until January 25, 2027. Eligible graduate students can participate in one competition during the 2026–27 competition season.
Not sure which competition is right for you? Register for the GRADflix and 3MT® information session on November 18 to learn more about both opportunities, eligibility requirements and how to get involved.
Finalists from both competitions will have their research showcased at the Graduate Student Research Symposium on April 8, 2027.