Grad Slam
Sharing and celebrating graduate student research and creative work in accessible 3-minute talks
Grad Slam is a campus-wide competition for the best 3-minute graduate student presentation of a research, creative, or community engagement project. It's an excellent opportunity for students to enhance their communication skills. It is also an effective way to showcase the innovative research and creative work associated with graduate education at the University of Arizona.
Why Participate
Learn about the benefits of presenting in Grad Slam, including the grand prizes.
Format, Rules, and Judging Criteria
Learn about the competition’s structure and expectations of presenters.
Prepare to Excel
Join an information session, participate in a workshop, and check out online videos and other resources to help you present effectively.
Grad Slam Judges
Learn more about what judges do, how they are selected, and how to become a judge.
Grad Slam Videos
View past Grad Slam finalist videos as well as other videos associated with the event, like the Grad Slam:
Research as Story short video.
Key Dates
Workshops and Practice Sessions - Schedule to be published by October 3
October 15, 2025 - Registration Opens
December 6, 2025, Washington, D.C.: U of A Grad Slam and WAGS 3MT Winner Mourad Abdennebi presents at the Council of Graduate Schools 3-Minute Thesis Competition
January 26, 2026, 11:59 PM Mountain Standard Time - Registration Closes
February 9, 2026 - Preliminary Rounds, Student Union Memorial Center, Room To be Announced
February 24, 2026 - Final Round Dress Rehearsal
February 25, 2026 - Final Round, Stevie Eller Dance Theatre, Doors Open at 4 PM, Event Start at 4:30 PM
Late March into April 2026 - Western Association of Graduate Schools 3-Minute Thesis (3MT), Coeur d'Alene, Idaho: Grad Slam Winner or Finalist will represent U of A.
Upcoming Events
There are no upcoming events listed.
Sponsors
Want to sponsor Grad Slam (an award area or the event itself) or have additional questions? Contact David Bradshaw at bradshad@arizona.edu for more information.
Hosts
Grad Slam is hosted by the Graduate Center, the home of the Graduate College's student success initiatives and services.