Research Competition

Three Minutes, One Big Idea

Research Competition

Get ready to showcase your research skills in the CDU IT Research Competition! This event is a unique opportunity for IT students at Charles Darwin University to distill their research into a powerful Three-Minute presentation, demonstrating not just their knowledge but also their ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively.

About Research Competition 
Inspired by the renowned Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) competition developed by the University of Queensland, this competition tests your ability to communicate complex research in a concise, compelling, and persuasive way. Participants have just three minutes (five minutes for teams) and one static PowerPoint slide to engage a panel of judges with the significance, innovation, and impact of their research. 

This competition has 2 stages

1

2

1

1


First
Round

1

1

2


Final Round

Final Round will be held at CDU IT Code Fair 2026 on 05 November 2026

The Following Rules Apply

To ensure a level playing field
No animations, transitions, or moving elements on the slide.
No additional electronic aids like audio or video.
No props or physical demonstrations.
Presentations must be spoken word, limited to 3 minutes sharp (or total 5 minutes for a team presentation). Exceeding this time may result in disqualification.
Important Dates
Registration deadline: 18 September (5pm), 2026 To participate please REGISTER HERE. Submission Deadline 20 Oct 2026 (end of day) You must submit your work in progress via the link you received in your email at the time of registration. DO NOT submit your work via email.
First Round 22 Oct 2026, 09:00 – 17:00 Festival Learning Space 1.12, Danala | ECP, Darwin Charles Darwin University
First Round – Judges
Dr Ojaswini MalhotraLecturer, Information TechnologyFaculty of Science & Technology
Dr Mohammad Rajib HasanLecturer, EconomicsBusiness & Accounting
Tom KalikagarosSenior Manager Digital Strategy,Department of Corporate and Digital Development (NTG)
Final Round 05 Nov 2026, 08:30 – 17:00 Community Learning Space 1.01, Danala | ECP, Darwin Charles Darwin University
Final Round – Judges
Dr Milad Bazli, MIEAustSenior Lecturer – EngineeringFaculty of Science and Technology
Dr Mohammad Rajib HasanLecturer, EconomicsBusiness & Accounting
Sarah StrzeleckiSenior Manager AI Advisory,Department of Croporate and Digital Development (NTG)

Eligibility

All students who are currently enrolled on CDU’s Information Technology coursework programs (undergraduate, postgraduate, TAFE, short courses)

Higher Degree by Research (HDR) students are not eligible to participate. 

Judging Criteria

Presentations will be judged according to criteria inspired by the official 3MT Competition.

 First winner and runner up will be selected for each Individual and Team category.

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