“Science in Three Minutes” is a competition initiated by the Estonian Academy of Sciences in which early-career researchers present their research in three minutes. The aim is to explain complex scientific topics in clear and accessible language.
The format is the Estonian version of the international Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition.
The “Science in Three Minutes” competition may be right for you if you want to:
- explain your research topic clearly and concisely,
- develop your presentation and public speaking skills,
- present your research beyond your own institute,
- promote and popularise science,
- connect with other doctoral candidates and exchange ideas.
Rules for Participation
- The competition is open to doctoral students of the Estonian University of Life Sciences and to researchers who have defended their doctoral degree within the past year, provided that they have not previously participated in the same competition in Estonia.
- Participants must prepare a three-minute presentation in either Estonian or English, summarising their research question, methodology, preliminary results, significance, and impact.
- Participation is open to individuals only; joint or group presentations are not allowed.
• The presentation must not exceed three minutes. Exceeding the time limit will result in penalty points.
• PowerPoint (.pptx) slides may be used. All images and visual materials included in the slides must be properly referenced.
• The presentation must be delivered as a spoken talk.
Evaluation
The evaluation committee will assess whether the presentations comply with the competition rules and will select the top three finalists.
Prizes
The three top-ranked participants will receive travel grants to be used for attending a professional conference relevant to their field.
Prize Fund
1st place – €500
2nd place – €400
3rd place – €200
The “Science in Three Minutes” competition at the Estonian University of Life Sciences will take place on 10 February 2026.
Videos of Estonian University of Life Sciences representatives in the national competition finals
Liis Lutter "Leivajuuretis – mikroobide salapärane maailm". Teaduste Akadeemia finaali laureaat
Roland Allmägi „Kuuldused sisepõlemismootorite surmast on enneaegsed“
Sharib Khan "If not plastics, then what?". Teaduste Akadeemia finaali laureaat
Seyed Omid Reza Mousavi "The mother´s first hug"
Marii Rasva „Maakasutuse koondumine“
Dagni-Alice Viidu "Lehmade loodud farm". Teaduste Akadeemia finaali laureaat
Maria Soonberg „Miks lehm närvi läheb?“
Heino Pihlap „Masinõppe kasutamine elamute õhk-vesi soojuspumpadega kütmisel“
Maksim Runin "Sügavuti rasvas"
Marju Tamm "Mikrovetikate mõõtmine – kas oma silm on ikka kuningas?"
