Malcolm Macmillan Prize

Malcolm Macmillan

Honouring excellence in clinical psychology research

The Malcolm Macmillan Prize is named in honour of Emeritus Professor Malcolm Macmillan, a respected clinical psychologist, academic, and longstanding contributor to the profession and to ACPA.

Professor Macmillan made a significant contribution to clinical psychology training and research in Australia throughout his distinguished career. This prize recognises his legacy by celebrating excellence, innovation, and emerging talent in postgraduate clinical psychology research.

 

Showcase your research and gain national recognition

The Malcolm Macmillan Prize celebrates excellence and innovation in postgraduate Clinical Psychology research across Australia.

ACPA Student Members currently enrolled in a postgraduate Clinical Psychology professional training program at an Australian university are invited to submit a Three Minute Thesis (3MT) style video presentation of their current research project.

Research projects may be presented at any stage of development - from proposal stage through to completed results.

Prize Information

Winner's Prize

  • $500 cash prize
  • Presentation showcased at the 2026 ACPA Conference in Melbourne
  • Complimentary conference registration
  • Two nights accommodation
  • Return airfare to Melbourne (if required)

Runner-Up Prizes

  • First Runner-Up: $300
  • Second Runner-Up: $200

Key Dates

Entries close:
5:00pm AEST, Friday 18 September 2026

How to Submit

Submissions should be emailed to: [email protected]

Please include:

  • Your full name
  • Your university and course
  • Your presentation title
  • A Dropbox link to your presentation

Please note: only video links will be accepted. Files sent directly via email or in alternative formats will not be accepted.

About Three Minute Thesis (3MT)

Three Minute Thesis (3MT) is an academic research communication competition developed by The University of Queensland .

The competition challenges participants to explain their research and its significance in just three minutes using language appropriate to a non-specialist audience.

Competition Rules

Eligibility

  • Be an ACPA Student Member
  • Be currently enrolled in a postgraduate Clinical Psychology professional training program at an Australian university

Presentation Rules

  • Presentations are limited to 3 minutes
  • Competitors exceeding 3 minutes will be disqualified
  • Timing begins when the presenter starts speaking

Presentations must be spoken word only. Poems, songs, raps, or additional performance elements are not permitted.

Video Requirements

Videos must:

  • Be filmed horizontally
  • Use a plain background
  • Be filmed from a static position
  • Use a single camera angle
  • Include a 3MT title slide
  • Include a single static 3MT PowerPoint slide

The PowerPoint slide:

  • Must remain static
  • Cannot include transitions, animations, or movement
  • May appear continuously or intermittently throughout the presentation

Editing and Media Restrictions

  • Audio must remain continuous with no edits or breaks
  • No additional electronic media or sound files may be included
  • No props, costumes, instruments, laboratory equipment, or animated backgrounds are permitted

Judging

Competitors will not be judged on video production or editing quality.

Judging will focus on:

  • Presentation quality
  • Ability to communicate research to a non-specialist audience
  • Effective use of the 3MT slide

The decision of the adjudicating panel is final.

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