Photo via trentu.ca
Twenty graduate students from Trent University will share their research at the annual Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) competition tonight (Thursday) at Market Hall.
3MT® challenges students to explain their Ph.D. or master’s research in just three minutes, using a single slide. Presenters will turn complex ideas into stories that are accessible, engaging, and relevant to the community. This year’s topics range from AI and identity to memory and mental health, and death and DNA.
Event details:
- What: Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) competition
- When: Thursday, April 9, 2026, 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
- Where: Market Hall Performing Arts Centre, 140 Charlotte Street, Peterborough
- Cost: Free, no registration required
First developed by the University of Queensland in Australia in 2008, 3MT® is now held in 59 countries. In Canada, winners can advance to regional competitions (Western, Ontario, Eastern) and ultimately to a national showcase in November.
A panel of Trent University and community members will select the top three winners, with first place advancing to the Ontario regional competition in May. Past winning research has explored topics like climate change, bicultural identity, and Indigenous knowledge loss.
Judges for this year’s Trent showcase include:
- David Goyette, author, musician, and 2021 Peterborough Walk of Fame inductee
- Lesley Heighway, President and CEO of the Peterborough Regional Health Centre Foundation and 2025 Business Citizen of the Year
- Jeeniraj (JJ) Thevasagayam, Executive Director of the New Canadians Centre
The event is open to the public and audience members will have the chance to vote for the Audience Choice Award.
