3-Minute Speech Competition | ICREMV 2026

3-Minute Speech Competition
for Postgraduate Students

Apply Now Guidelines Endorsement Form Abstract Template
About the competition

Introduced for the first time at ICREMV 2026

The 3-Minute Speech Competition challenges postgraduate researchers to distil the essence of their work — the problem, the method, the findings — into a compelling three-minute presentation for a non-specialist audience, supported by a single static slide.

Modelled on the internationally recognised Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) format, this competition celebrates the skill of communicating complex ideas with clarity and impact. It is more than a prize — it is a career-defining exercise in research communication, staged before an international audience of academics and industry leaders at ICREMV 2026.

The competition follows a three-stage process: abstract submission, a selection interview, and the live final presentation on the conference day.

300
Word abstract limit for Stage 1 submission
10–15
Minute online interview at Stage 2
3
Minutes to present your entire research live
27 Oct
Final round at ICREMV 2026, Colombo
Why participate

What you gain

The 3MT Competition is designed for postgraduate researchers ready to take their work beyond the written page.

International visibility

Present your research to academics and industry professionals from across the globe attending ICREMV 2026 at Waters Edge, Colombo.

Communication skills

Sharpen your ability to convey complex research in plain language — one of the most valued and least-taught skills in academia.

Recognition & prizes

Win cash prizes up to LKR 25,000, a Best Presenter Trophy, and a Certificate of Excellence — presented at the ICREMV 2026 closing ceremony.

Networking

Connect with supervisors, peers, and senior practitioners across real estate, valuation, construction, and urban planning — from Sri Lanka and beyond.

Competition structure

Three stages to the final

The competition moves from abstract submission through an interview to a live final on the conference day.

1
Abstract Submission

Submit Your Abstract

Complete the Abstract Submission Template and upload it alongside the Supervisor Endorsement Form via the CMT portal or Google Form.

  • Maximum 300 words, written in English
  • Include: research problem, methodology, expected outcomes
  • Do not include your name — review is blind
  • Supervisor Endorsement Form required
  • Deadline: 25 July 2026, 11:59 PM SLST
2
Interview & Selection

Online Interview

Shortlisted candidates are invited to a 10–15 minute online interview with the selection panel to assess research understanding and communication clarity.

  • Invitations sent by 15th of September 2026
  • Interviews conducted 25th of September 2026
  • Up to 10 finalists selected
  • Finalists notified by 10th October
  • Finalists must register as ICREMV delegates
3
Live Final

On-Site Presentation

Finalists present live before an audience and judging panel at ICREMV 2026, Waters Edge, Battaramulla, Colombo.

  • Strict 3-minute limit with visible timer
  • One static slide — no animations or video
  • Optional 2-minute Q&A at judges' discretion
  • Winners announced at closing ceremony
  • Date: 27 October 2026
Key dates

Competition timeline

All deadlines are at 11:59 PM Sri Lanka Standard Time (SLST / UTC+5:30). Late submissions will not be accepted.

Apply Before 25 July
Step 1 · Open
01st of July 2026
Applications open — abstract submission form goes live
Step 1 · Deadline
25th of July 2026,
Abstract & Supervisor Endorsement Form submission deadline
Step 2 · Invitations
15th of September 2026
Interview invitations sent to shortlisted candidates
Step 2 · Interviews
25th of September 2026
Online selection interviews conducted
Finalists Announced
10th of October 2026
Top 10 finalists notified by email & published on website
Step 3 · Final Round
27 October 2026
Live presentations at ICREMV 2026, Waters Edge, Colombo — winners announced at closing ceremony
Who can apply

Eligibility criteria

The competition is open exclusively to postgraduate researchers from any country or institution worldwide.

Currently enrolled as a postgraduate student — MPhil, PhD, MSc by Research, or MBA Research Track.

Research topic must relate to real estate, valuation, construction, urban planning, or a closely related discipline.

One entry per participant. Co-authored entries are not permitted. The applicant must be the sole presenter.

A signed Supervisor Endorsement Form confirming enrolment and research topic is required at submission.

Finalists must register as ICREMV 2026 delegates at the student rate and present in person on 27 October 2026.

Open to postgraduate students from any country or institution worldwide. No restriction on nationality.

Assessment

Judging criteria

A panel of at least three judges — academics and industry professionals — evaluates each presentation. Scores are averaged across the panel. A penalty of 5 points applies per 15 seconds over the 3-minute limit.

CriterionWeightWhat judges look for
Comprehension & Content30%Clarity of research problem, methodology, and findings communicated within 3 minutes
Communication Clarity25%Language accessible to a non-specialist audience; avoidance of unnecessary jargon
Engagement & Delivery20%Confidence, eye contact, tone, pace, and connection with the audience
Slide Effectiveness15%Relevance and visual quality of the single static slide; clarity of layout
Time Limit Adherence10%Strict compliance with the 3-minute limit; penalty of 5 points per 15 seconds overrun
Awards

Prizes & recognition

All finalists receive a certificate. Top three winners are recognised at the ICREMV 2026 closing ceremony, Waters Edge, Colombo.

🥇

1st Place

LKR 25,000

Certificate of Excellence + Best Presenter Trophy + Gold Medal

🥈

2nd Place

LKR 15,000

Certificate of Merit + Silver Medal

🥉

3rd Place

LKR 10,000

Certificate of Achievement + Bronze Medal

All Participants

Certificate

Participation certificate issued to all registered competitors

* Prize amounts are indicative and subject to confirmation by the Organising Committee and available sponsorship.

How to apply

Registration & submission

All applications are submitted online. Download the Abstract Template, complete it, and upload it together with the Supervisor Endorsement Form.

Online Submission — CMT Portal

Your submission must include the completed Abstract Template, Supervisor Endorsement Form, and your personal and academic details. Ensure all files follow the naming format: [YourName]_Abstract.docx and [YourName]_Endorsement.pdf

Full name & contact detailsName, institutional email, phone, country
University & programmeInstitution, degree level, year of study
Research abstractMax 300 words using the Abstract Template
Supervisor detailsName, designation, institutional email
Supervisor Endorsement FormSigned PDF — download template below
DeclarationsEligibility, competition rules & data consent
Deadline: 25 July 2026 at 11:59 PM SLST.  Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered.
CMT Submission Portal Abstract Template Endorsement Form Guidelines

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Common questions

Frequently asked questions

For queries not answered here, contact the Organising Committee via the Contact page.

Can I submit if my research is not yet complete?

Yes. Preliminary or ongoing research is welcome. You should clearly state the current stage and articulate your expected outcomes.

What happens at the interview stage?

The 10–15 minute online interview assesses your understanding of your own research and your ability to explain it clearly to a non-specialist audience.

Can I use animations in my slide?

No. Only one fully static slide is permitted. No animations, transitions, embedded videos, audio, or hyperlinks within the slide.

Must I attend the conference in person?

Finalists must be registered ICREMV 2026 delegates and present live at Waters Edge on 27 October 2026. Remote participation in the final is not permitted.

What language must the presentation be in?

All abstract submissions and live presentations must be in English.

Can I apply from outside Sri Lanka?

Yes. The competition is open to postgraduate students from any country or institution. International finalists must arrange their own travel and accommodation.

About Us

University of Sri Jayewardenepura

International Conference on Real Estate Management and Valuation (ICREMV) is oraganised by
Center for Real Estate Studies,
Department of Estate Management and Valuation,
Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce,
University of Sri Jayewardenepura,
Nugegoda, Sri Lanka.


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