FAQ

What is Threesis?

Threesis is training programme and competition to help you learn to share the story of your research.  It also gives an opportunity to meet other research students and begin to think in fresh ways about the work you do and the impact it may have in future.

Who can participate?

Threesis is open to all postgraduate research students at University of Galway. 

What do I have to talk about - is it strictly about my thesis?

Not at all, you don't have to go stick to the exact details of your thesis title or research question.  It's more about your research area, the field in general, and what you find interesting about it and how it might someday impact the wider world.  If you are interested in what you are talking about - others will be too.

How can I sign up?

Simply register for a training session on 17 or 18 October,  on the Threesis home page.

Training: Where is the training?

The venue for all training is  the Researcher Development Centre: Room 118 of the Research and Innovation Centre (this building is in the Centre of the campus, between Áras Moyola and the Sports Centre).

Training: What do I have to prepare for training?

Nothing, just come along yourself and take a seat.  The training sessions are fun and informal. In fact, it's a great chance to meet other students researching in different fields.  We will have some light refreshments there. 

Training: Will I have to present three slides or speak in front of everyone at the training?

We wouldn't expect that!  However, you will get to talk to some other students working in research areas as interesting as your own and some help in deciding how to frame your research story.

Training: What if I think I might not want to go to the heat stage?

 That is totally fine!  We understand that this may not be for everyone, but it's certainly worth your while coming along to the training sessions and getting some tips about how to explain what you do. 

Heats: When are the heats and when will I know when mine is?

Heats take place around lunchtime in the weeks commencing 6  November and 14 November. Slots for heats will be released once the training phase has completed has finished.

Heats: Where do the heats take place and who are the judges?

Heats are in the Research Development Centre (same place where you will have completed your training). In the heats, you will have 3 minutes to speak with 3 slides, in front of 3 friendly judges from our university.  The heats are a fun safe space and a really good experience and way to practice public speaking.

What are the main rules?

1. Presentations are limited to 3 minutes. Presentations are considered to have commenced when a presenter starts their presentation through movement or speech.
2. Three single slides are permitted. (No slide overlays, no animations, dramatic transitions or embedded videos are allowed. We don't want anything moving on the screen behind you so the audience can concentrate and listen to you).
3.  Additional props are allowed but should be kept relatively small, with no setup -   - and needless to say - - nothing dangerous.

What are the judges looking for?

The judges, in the heats and final, will score you on three elements.

Content - Visual appeal of slides and conveyance of ideas by word.

Clarity - Timing (well-paced within three minutes) and accessible for a non-specialist audience.

Charisma - Delivery and engagement with judges/audience.

Grand Finale: Who gets through to the final?

Depending on how many participants we have overall,  about two people are chosen from each heat to go through to the grand finale on 1 December. So we expect 12 or so finalists. 

Grand Finale: If I qualify for the Grand Finale is there any extra support?

Yes, our finalists will be allocated a mentor and given additional training on voice and stage presence. 

Grand Finale: What are the prizes?

 What if my question is not listed here?

Then please send us an email on threesis@nuigalway.ie with your query, we might even add it to our FAQ.