Three Minute Video Research Competition

What's This All About?

Have you spent weeks, months, or maybe an entire semester working on a research project? Now imagine explaining it to someone in just 3 minutes—using video! That's the challenge of this competition.


The Undergraduate Research Council (URC) invites you to create a short, creative video that showcases your original research. Think of it like making a movie trailer for your research project—you want to hook your audience and show them the highlights in 180 seconds flat.


The best videos will be presented live at the Annual Undergraduate Research Symposium in April, and winners will be chosen by judges and audience vote!

Why Should I Enter?

  • Challenge yourself to explain your research in a new, creative way
  • Build skills in video production and science communication
  • Get recognition for your hard work at the symposium
  • Win prizes - Three winners will be selected!
  • Have fun being creative with how you share your research

The Challenge: 3 Minutes, Maximum Impact

Your research might normally take an hour to present fully, but can you distill the most exciting parts into just 3 minutes? This is your chance to think creatively about what matters most and how to make it engaging for viewers who might not be experts in your field. 

Your video can be about any type of undergraduate research project:

  • Creative works or performances
  • Research papers
  • Senior thesis projects
  • Laboratory experiments
  • Field research
  • And more!

If you've done original research as an undergraduate, it qualifies!

Content Requirements:

  • Clearly state your research question or topic - What were you trying to figure out?
  • Summarize your key findings - What did you discover?
  • Make it understandable - Someone who knows nothing about your topic should be able to follow along. Avoid jargon, or explain technical terms when you use them.
  • Keep research at the center - Creativity and good video quality are great, but your research should be the star of the show!

Practical Requirements:

  • Length: Exactly 3 minutes (180 seconds) or less
  • Follow all rules: Abide by local, state, and federal laws, plus all VSU guidelines while making your video
  • Deadline: Submit your final video by the March 6, 2026

Step 1: Complete the abstract submission form (found on the right side of this page)

Step 2: Create your 3-minute video

  • Get creative! Use animations, interviews, demonstrations, graphics, music—whatever helps tell your story
  • Focus on the big picture: Why does your research matter? What did you find out?
  • Remember your audience: Explain things clearly for non-experts

Step 3: Submit your video Send your finished video to Undergraduateresearch@valdosta.edu by March 6, 2026

Important: Submit the actual video file (NOT a link to YouTube, Google Drive, etc.)

Accepted file formats: .MOV, .MPEG4, .MP4, .AVI, .WMV, .MPEGPS, .FLV, .3GPP, WebM, DNxHR, ProRes, CineForm, or HEVC (h265)

Don't worry if these formats look confusing! Most phones and cameras save videos in .MP4 or .MOV, which work perfectly.

Good news! You don't have to figure this out alone. The New Media Center can help you with filming and editing your video. Don't hesitate to reach out to them—they're there to support you!

Planning:

  • Write a script or outline before filming
  • Time yourself! Make sure you can cover everything in 3 minutes
  • Think about your hook: What will grab attention in the first 10 seconds?

Content:

  • Start with why your research matters
  • Use visuals to show, not just tell
  • End with your key takeaway or "so what?" moment

Production:

  • Good audio matters more than you think - find a quiet place to record
  • Natural lighting or well-lit spaces make videos look more professional
  • Keep it simple - you don't need fancy equipment, just clear content

Creativity:

  • Use analogies or metaphors to explain complex concepts
  • Add text overlays to emphasize key points
  • Consider using humor (if appropriate) to keep viewers engaged
  • Background music can set the tone (just make sure you have the rights to use it)

After you submit your video:

  1. The URC will review all submissions
  2. The top videos will be selected to be presented live at the Annual Undergraduate Research Symposium in April
  3. At the symposium, three winners will be chosen by judges and audience participation
  4. You'll get to showcase your work to the VSU community!

Final Thought: This Is Your Moment to Shine!

Making a 3-minute video might sound challenging, but it's also incredibly rewarding. You'll learn to communicate your research in a whole new way—a skill that will serve you well whether you go to graduate school, enter the workforce, or pursue any other path. Plus, it's a chance to be creative and show off what you've accomplished. So grab your phone or camera and start filming. We can't wait to see what you create!

Examples of Three-Minute Videos from Previous Symposia