Networking
- Vitae Researcher Development Framework 2010 B3.4
- Vitae RDF 2025 5.5
The value of networking as a researcher
Networking is an essential skill for researchers, offering pathways to collaboration, career opportunities, and professional growth.
By building and maintaining connections, you can share knowledge, gain insights, and create new opportunities that benefit both your current role and your future aspirations.
What is networking?
Networking involves developing, maintaining, and leading networks of individuals who can provide advice, share knowledge, and offer access to opportunities. It’s about fostering mutually beneficial relationships that can support your professional journey.
Why is networking important?
Networking is at the heart of research, enabling collaboration, idea exchange, and resource sharing. Its benefits include:
- Saving time and resources: Discussing challenges with peers can lead you to solutions more quickly.
- Building collaborations: Strong networks often form the basis for multidisciplinary research and industry partnerships, enhancing your chances of securing funding.
- Career advancement: A wide professional network can open doors to new roles, collaborations, or career shifts.
- Personal support: Connecting with peers can provide moral support and reassurance during challenging times.
How to improve your networking skills
Embrace reciprocity
- Networking thrives on reciprocity. Contribute to your network by sharing advice, offering introductions, or supporting others’ professional development. The more you invest in your network, the more you’re likely to benefit in return.
Volunteer for roles and activities
Be proactive in joining or organising activities that put you at the centre of your professional community:
- Volunteer to organise panels or conferences.
- Join committees or working groups within your institution or professional associations.
- Participate in consultations, forums, or learned societies.
These activities expand your network while raising your profile within your field.
Make the most of conferences
Conferences are invaluable for networking. Here’s how to maximise their potential:
- Present your work: If possible, present a paper to showcase your expertise.
- Research attendees: Identify key individuals to connect with in advance.
- Mix strategically: Engage with people outside your department or usual social group.
- Follow up: After the conference, reconnect with new contacts via email or professional networks.
Remember, networking is about building relationships, so balance professional discussions with casual conversations.
Leverage online networks
Online platforms offer vast networking potential:
- Join professional sites like LinkedIn, ResearchGate, or Mendeley to connect with others and share your work.
- Participate in discussion groups on platforms like JISCmail or on social media.
- Maintain professionalism in online interactions to ensure your network reflects your academic and professional standards.
Create a professional online profile
Building a personal website around your research can significantly enhance your networking efforts. A professional website allows you to:
- Showcase your research.
- Extend your visibility beyond traditional platforms.
- Offer a hub for potential collaborators or employers to learn about your work.
Examples of evidence
- Statement
I actively engage with learned societies and public bodies relevant to my field of research. - Situation
My supervisor highlighted the value of seeking out opportunities to engage with my funding body in terms of gaining new experiences and developing my own professional network. - Task
I set out to research relevant activities and opportunities offered by my funding body, and also other useful online blogs and forums. - Action
I applied to participate in a small workshop initiated by my funding body to explore the opportunities and challenges facing young researchers in our field. - Result
I was successful in gaining a place at the workshop. It proved to be a great opportunity to meet a number of senior people from my funding council as well as meeting fellow research students and academics. Whilst the day focused on more generic aspects of our research experiences, we did have the opportunity to discuss our specialisms during breaks in the workshop. I have since stayed in touch with a number of the participants who have shared some other useful online forums I now follow and post on.
“I would advise doing all you can to network. You never know who might want your services after meeting you at a conference, reading your article or seeing your online profile, perhaps years after you sowed the first seed.”
Andrew Eaves
Research Consultant
Andalus Solutions Limited
Final takeaway
Networking isn’t just about meeting people—it’s about building meaningful relationships that can drive your career forward. Whether at conferences, online, or within your institution, taking an active and strategic approach to networking will unlock new opportunities and collaborations. As you grow your network, remember that successful networking is built on mutual support and shared benefits.