The Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) chapter at the University of Florida hosted its first Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) Competition en Español on April 17, 2024.

In this competition, developed by the University of Queensland in Australia, students are challenged to deliver a compelling presentation on their research topic and its significance in just three minutes. Through participation, students enhance their academic, presentation, and research communication skills, allowing them to explain their research clearly to non-academic audiences.

Why in Spanish? To showcase and celebrate the diverse reach of graduate students while encouraging effective science communication with broader audiences in Spanish, thus increasing the impact of students’ research beyond their respective fields.

2024 Competition Winners

1st Place: Vanesa Rostán

Disminución de la contaminación por pesticidas de los recursos florales de plantas ornamentales durante su proceso de producción

2nd Place: Alejandro Rudén

Cultivando conexiones: Evaluación de los Factores para la integración de Cultivos y Ganadería en Florida

3rd Place: William Ortolá

Pasado, Presente y Futuro del Universo: La Expansión Acelerada es la Clave

View the competition program to see all contestants and talk titles.

Competition Photo Gallery:

Read below for more information on competition eligibility and rules:

Eligibility

• This competition is open to doctoral students from any field at the University of Florida.
• Participants must be able to attend a virtual Science in a Snap communication workshop, hosted by the UF Thompson Earth Systems Institute on March 25, 2024, from 2:30-4:30 p.m. The training is designed to provide you with the skills needed to effectively present your research within a concise 3-minute period to a diverse audience. Through this session, you will gain invaluable tools and insights to ensure your success if selected to participate in the competition. This workshop will be taught in English.
• Participants must be able to attend the in-person 3MT en Español 2024 competition on April 17, 2024, at 2 p.m. It will be held at the Reitz Union on UF’s main campus in Gainesville.

Prizes

• 1st place – $500
• 2nd place – $300
• 3rd place – $200

Competition rules

During the Science in a Snap workshop, we will discuss more in-depth the competition rules and judging criteria. Overall, to participate in the competition you will need to:

1. Use a static PowerPoint slide (no slide transitions, animations, or movement; the slide is to be presented from the oration’s beginning).
2. Avoid using additional electronic media (e.g., sound and video files) as they are not permitted.
3. Refrain from using additional props (e.g., costumes, musical instruments, laboratory equipment) as they are not permitted.
4. Keep the presentation within a strict time limit of 3 minutes. Competitors exceeding 3 minutes are disqualified.
5. Deliver oral presentations, using spoken words only; poems, raps, or songs are not permitted. The presentation must be completely in Spanish.
6. Begin presentations from the stage. Presentations are officially considered to have started when a presenter initiates their presentation through either movement or speech.
7. Understand that the decision of the judging panel is final.

For information on past UF 3MT Competitions visit the following link: UF 3MT

For questions, contact

sacnasfl@gmail.com

Organizers

The Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics & Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) UF Chapter is organizing the first ever 3MT competition en Español, with support from: