Psychological Science in 3 (PS-in-3) is a fun, fast-paced competition showcasing emerging talent in psychological science. Up to eight graduate students or recently graduated psychologists (i.e., obtained PhD in 2025 or later) compete for three monetary prizes by presenting their research in just three minutes.

What You’ll Need to Submit

NOTE: The APA Board of Convention Affairs will review PS-in-3 proposals. Notification of acceptance will be sent to finalists on or around April 2027.

Evaluation Criteria

A selection committee will choose up to eight finalists who will compete in person at APA 2027 for the top three monetary prizes. The presentations will be evaluated on the significance, impact, and clarity of research. The presentation should focus on theory-based empirical research; data collection and analysis should be completed. The language used must be appropriate to an educated but non-specialist audience.

PS-in-3 Rules

• Finalists must present in person at APA 2027.
• A single static PowerPoint slide is required. No slide transitions, animations or “movement” of any type. The single slide must be displayed from the beginning of the presentation to the end.
• Presentations are limited to three minutes, and competitors exceeding three minutes will be disqualified.
• Limited electronic media (e.g., audio and video files) are permitted if directly relevant to the project and presentation.
• No additional persons or props (e.g., costumes, musical instruments, laboratory equipment) are permitted.
• Data presented in the competitions should be considered as information likely to enter the public domain.
• Presentations are to be spoken words (i.e., no poems, raps, songs).
• Presentations are considered to have commenced when the emcee states it is time to begin and the slide is displayed.