Applications Open for the Second Asia-Pacific Edition of My Thesis in 180 Seconds

Young French-speaking researchers across the Asia-Pacific region are invited to showcase their research in one of the world's most engaging science communication competitions. The Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF) has officially opened applications for the second regional edition of My Thesis in 180 Seconds (MT180), with submissions open until 15 August 2026.

Inspired by the internationally recognised Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) competition, first launched at the University of Queensland in Australia in 2008, MT180 challenges doctoral candidates and recent PhD graduates to explain years of research in just 180 seconds using clear, accessible language for a non-specialist audience.

More than a public speaking competition, MT180 celebrates the next generation of researchers while promoting science communication, interdisciplinary dialogue and the French language across the global research community.

Building on a successful first edition

The inaugural Asia-Pacific regional final was held in Hanoi, Vietnam, in 2025, bringing together ten finalists from seven countries across the Pacific, East Asia, Southeast Asia and South Asia. The competition highlighted both the diversity and excellence of French-speaking research in the region. The winner, Kantapon Intamart from Chulalongkorn University (Thailand), went on to receive Second Prize at the International MT180 Final in Romania, demonstrating the strength of Asia-Pacific researchers on the global stage.

Why participate?

The competition offers participants far more than the opportunity to compete. It enables young researchers to:

• Develop valuable science communication and public speaking skills.

• Learn how to communicate complex research to broad audiences.

• Increase the visibility of their research and their institution.

• Connect with researchers from different disciplines and countries across the Francophone world.

• Strengthen dialogue between science and society.

In an increasingly interconnected research landscape, the ability to communicate scientific knowledge clearly has become an essential skill for engaging policymakers, industry, educators and the wider public.

Who can apply?

Applicants must:

• Be currently enrolled in a doctoral programme during the 2025–2026 academic year, or have completed their PhD during 2024–2025.

• Have reached at least the second year of their doctoral research.

• Be able to present confidently in French.

• Submit a three-minute presentation video (MP4, AVI or MOV format) alongside their online application.

  
  

Following the application process, twelve finalists will be selected to compete in the online Asia-Pacific Regional Final on 25 September 2026.

Training and international opportunities

Selected candidates will benefit from a dedicated science communication training programme, delivered by AUF in partnership with the Association francophone pour le savoir (ACFAS) between 3 and 15 September 2026.

Three regional winners, representing three different countries, will then progress to the international pre-selection, with the opportunity to qualify for the prestigious International MT180 Final.

Key Dates

• Applications open: 23 May 2026

• Application deadline: 15 August 2026

• Selection results: 25 August 2026

• Communication training: 3–15 September 2026

• Asia-Pacific Regional Final: 25 September 2026

  
  

For further information and to apply, please visit the AUF website: https://appels-propositions.auf.org/deuxieme-edition-du-concours-ma-these-en-180-secondes-en-asie-pacifique or contact Nguyen Thi Thuy Nga, AUF Project Manager, at nguyen.thi.thuy.nga@auf.org.