Visualise Your Thesis Competition

Visualise Your Thesis (VYT) challenges graduate researchers at any stage of their candidature to present their projects in a 60-second, eye-catching video.

VYT provides you with an opportunity to build and apply your information and digital literacy skills. Using a pre-supplied template, you are tasked with developing a striking video presentation that succinctly describes your research, and its potential benefits, to a non-specialist audience.

By creating a 'visual elevator pitch', you will develop crucial employability skills including effective communication, information and digital literacy and visual storytelling. You will also build your awareness of open access to information and copyright.

Eligibility

The VYT competition is open to currently-enrolled graduate researchers (i.e. students enrolled in M.Phil., Masters by Research, Ph.D. or Professional Doctorate programmes) at any stage of their candidature who are active and attending.

Competitors must agree to their entry being displayed on the University of Melbourne’s Visualise Your Thesis website (winning entry only) and on La Trobe University websites and media.

Prizes

First prize: $1000
Second prize: $500
Popular vote: $250

Winners will be announced at the 3MT event on 5 September 2025.

The popular vote is awarded based on the votes received from the public.

The winning entry (first prize) will represent La Trobe University in the 2025 Visualise Your Thesis International Competition, which will be held online.

Last year's entries

Have a look at the entries from last year's VYT competition to see how the 60-second videos came together.

Watch the 2024 VYT entries

Competition rules

You must use the supplied template to create your presentation.
No separate media files or links to online content (all media is embedded in the one file).
Your video must not exceed 60 seconds (excluding the title and reference slides).
Your video has an absolute maximum file size of 100MB (take this into account when including graphics and sound).
You must include references for any resources used to create your video.
Media, including images, audio and video files, must comply with the competition’s copyright rules.
Late submissions will not be accepted.
The decision of the adjudicating panel is final.

Entries close on Friday 1 August 2025.

Judging criteria

Entries will be judged against the following criteria.

Category	Criteria
Topic understanding	Does the video leave you with a better understanding of the topic?
Communication and language	Is the research communicated/presented in language appropriate for a non-specialist audience?
Creativity and engagement	Is the video creative and engaging (e.g. visually striking and memorable)?
Topic significance	Is the significance of the research clearly explained?

Workshops and information sessions

Visualise Your Thesis information session

Friday 2 May 11.00 am
Come along and find out about the 2025 La Trobe University Visualise Your Thesis (VYT) competition.
Visualise your Thesis (VYT) Storytelling workshop

Thursday 29 May 2.00 pm
Learn the tips and tricks for creating your VYT submission with maximum impact.
Visualise your Thesis (VYT) Visual design and copyright

Wednesday 18 June 11.00 am
A technical workshop to explore audio and visual design elements and your copyright responsibilities.
Visualise your Thesis (VYT) Drop-in session

Tuesday 8 July 2.00 pm
Have your VYT questions answered in the lead up to submission.