In a Nutshell
In a Nutshell - Undergraduate Research Competition
In a Nutshell is an annual undergraduate research competition where students are challenged to present their research in 3 minutes or less! This annual event is hosted by our research ambassador team and is open to any TRU undergraduate students who have participated in research. Prizes will be awarded to the top 3 entries. The event is open to all TRU students who wish to watch the presentations.
February 25, 2026 5:00 - 7:00 PM
5:00 p.m.
2nd Floor, OLARA
Application is now open
Applications will be accepted until February 19 2026.
Students must submit their presentation slide by February 19 2026 to studentresearch@tru.ca.
Please note: In a Nutshell spaces are limited and applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early. All applications will be reviewed in accordance with the principles of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI). Once an application has been submitted, students may not make changes to their presentation slide.
Essential In a Nutshell resources
Even the world’s best public speakers prepare before important presentations. To assist you with your preparations, please find a few suggestions that will help you in writing your presentation, creating your slide and practising your presentation courtesy of 3MT (the Graduate Student 3 minute research competition).
3MT competitor guide
What to Expect
Participants will be asked to present a 1-slide PowerPoint related to their research and answer the following questions in a 3-minute oral presentation:
- What is your research question?
- What research method did you apply?
- What results were obtained?
- What is the significance of your findings?
In a Nutshell deadlines
Registration now open
Slide submission deadline: February 19 2026
TRU In a Nutshell Competition: February 25, 2026
5:00 p.m.
2nd floor
OLARA
805 University Drive, Kamloops, BC V2C 0C8
Can I Participate?
In a Nutshell is for TRU Students currently enrolled in an undergraduate program conducting research under the supervision of a TRU Faculty member. Participants must:
- Be currently enrolled in an undergraduate program at TRU
- Be conducting research under the supervision of a TRU Faculty Member
- Have results to share
- Students are encouraged to discuss their participation and presentation with their supervisors.
In a Nutshell Rules
- A single static PowerPoint slide is permitted. Using a slide is optional but recommended. Images used in the slide must be your own, or you must have permission from the owner of the photo(s) and provide proper credit.
- No additional electronic media is permitted (e.g., sound, video files).
- Competitors may use ONE additional props (e.g., costumes, musical instruments, laboratory equipment)
- Presentations are limited to 3 minutes maximum.
- Presentations that go over 3 minutes will be disqualified.
- The decision of the adjudicating panel is final.
Prizes
- First Place: $1,000
- Second Place: $500
- Third Place: $250
Judging
- A panel made up of former In a Nutshell competitors, graduate students, faculty or Kamloops community members will judge the presentations
What are the judges looking for?
Comprehension:
- Did the presenter provide an explanation of the significance or impact in their field of study?
- Did the presenter use cue cards or notes effectively?
- Was the presentation organized and focused with good demonstration of coherence and logical progression?
Audience Engagement:
- Did the presenter effectively capture and maintain the audience's attention
- Did the PowerPoint slide enhance, rather than detract from the presentation?
- Did the presenter utilize creative methods to share their research?
- Was a prop used to enhance the presentation?
Communication:
- Was the research topic communicated in a language appropriate for a non-specialist audience?
- Did the presenter provide adequate background information to illustrate their points?
- Was the presentation completed within the 3-minute time limit?
