Downstate Trainee Research Slam

The Downstate Trainee Research Slam is a fun event in which trainees hone their presentation skills while sharing their exciting work with the Downstate community.

The 2023 Research Slam was held on October 10th, 2:30 pm to 5:00 pm, after the presentations of the Seed Grant awardees.

2023 Competition

Trainee Research Slam:

• Is modeled on the Three-Minute Thesis 3MT® (threeminutethesis.org) an international event that "cultivates students’ academic, presentation, and research communication skills. The competition supports their capacity to effectively explain their research in three minutes, in a language appropriate to a non-specialist audience”.
• The competition is open to all interested Downstate students and non-student trainees (e.g., residents and fellows) from all of Downstate’s colleges and schools and University Hospital Downstate. Participation is entirely optional.
• Each participant has three minutes and one (static) slide to describe their research in non-specialist language. Rules are listed below.
• Example winning presentations from some 3MT competitions can be found at threeminutethesis.org. We recommend looking at biomedical-science themed presentations from the pre-Covid era, which were done in front of live audiences.
• Monetary prizes ($500 for first, $350 for second, $250 for third, and $250 for “People’s Choice”) will be given to the top-ranked participants in two separate categories: students and non-student trainees (e.g., residents and fellows). A panel of judges will award first, second, and third prizes; audience vote will decide “People’s Choice”. Prizes will be awarded in recognition of Dr. Alfred Stracher (www.downstate.edu/about/societies-funds/alfred-stracher-memorial-fund/about.html), a long-time Downstate faculty member who was chair of the Biochemistry Department from 1972 to 2006 and whose legacy we are proud to recognize by honoring the next generation of Downstate researchers.
• Presentations will be video-recorded. Winning presentations will be posted on the Downstate Trainee Research Slam website. All presenters will be given a copy of their video recording.

Depending on the number of interested participants, we may have to conduct preliminary rounds on earlier dates to select finalists (anticipated maximum of 10 competitors per category) for the main event. 

If you have any questions, please email svp-research-office@downstate.edu.

Rules

• A single static slide is permitted (no slide transitions, animations or ‘movement’ of any kind; the slide is to be presented from the beginning of the oration).
• No additional electronic media (e.g. sound and video files) are permitted.
• No additional props (e.g. costumes, musical instruments, laboratory equipment) are permitted.
• Presentations are limited to 3 minutes maximum. Presentations will be halted by the moderator after 3 minutes.
• Presentations are to be spoken word (i.e. no poems, raps or songs).
• Presenters are not to read from a written script.
• Presentations are to commence from the stage.
• Presentations are considered to have commenced when presenters start their presentation through movement or speech.
• The decision of the judges is final.

Judging Criteria

Comprehension & Content

• Did the presentation provide an understanding of the background to the research question being addressed and its significance?
• Did the presentation follow a clear and logical sequence?
• Were the topic, motivation, key findings, and research significance communicated clearly and in language appropriate to a non-specialist audience?
• Did the speaker explain jargon and provide adequate background information to illustrate points?
• Did the presenter spend adequate time on each element of their presentation and/or did they elaborate for too long on one aspect?

Engagement & Communication

• Did the oration make the audience want to know more?
• Was the presenter careful not to trivialize their research?
• Did the presenter convey enthusiasm for their research?
• Did the presenter capture and maintain their audience's attention?
• Did the speaker have sufficient stage presence, eye contact, vocal range, maintain a steady pace, and have a confident stance?
• Did the slide enhance the presentation - was it clear, legible, and concise?

Some good tips and recommendations can be found here: https://pipettegazette.uthscsa.edu/2020/08/21/10-tips-for-3-minute-thesis-competition