I was recently asked to serve on an ECR panel at the International Glaciological Society conference 2025 at Durham University, focusing on how I’ve used strategic networking to build my academic career.
This was a little tricky topic to research and write; I don’t think I’ve ever been particularly ‘strategic’ in my academic networking. More, I enjoy meeting and chatting with people and have many academic friends who I’m pleased to see at conferences. However, on further reflection and a little research, I decided that actually, yes, perhaps there are some strategies that can help strengthen an academic career. Here, I will try and outline some ‘best tips’ for early career researchers who are starting to think about building their academic network.
Why academic networks matter
It would be trite to say that you’re the average of your network. But academia is relational – and networks do matter. Your research quality matters, but networks can amplify the impact of your work.
Team work
Jobs, grants, papers and policy or impact all emerge from collaboration. Science is done in teams, where people each bring something unique to your project. As you graduate from the postgraduate stage and begin to transition to independent researcher, you’ll need a broad network that you can reach out to, bringing skills and data or knowledge to your project.
Science is interdisciplinary and it is at the junction between disciplines that often the most insightful change is met. Some of my most exciting new innovations have come from working with people who think differently, use different tools, or have different backgrounds to me.
Community
Your goal for your network is to build a community of people, who can help and support you – and importantly, who you will help and support in turn.
It is important to note that people work with people that they know, like and respect. Connections and relationships are built and forged effectively when they’re deep and genuine. Be yourself; authenticity builds connection.
What does academic networking offer?
Well-developed academic networks offer:
- Building a reputation: Visibility, credibility, trust
- Connecting with mentors
- Building research collaborations
- Access to opportunities
- Professional development
- A way to shape your field
- More enjoyable conferences
Most importantly, strong networks will help you to build a deeper connection, based on who you are, shared interests, shared goals, and people who get on well.
What kinds of networks are available?
In academia, we can commonly identify 3 to 4 networks:
Conference networks. People that you meet and speak to at conferences and workshops.
Formal networks. This can include:
- Formal research networks (IPCC, SCAR, NERC)
- Professional Societies (Royal Geographical Society, Quaternary Research Association, International Society for Geomorphology)
- Committees (EDI, panels, UKPN, APECS, IPY)
- Policy and outreach committees and networks
Informal networks. This can include WhatsApp, social media (X/Bluesky), coffee chats, etc.
Institutional networks. The people you meet and work with in your own institution.
Conference networking strategies
Conferences are the best opportunity available to you to meet new people and build your academic network. After a bit of consideration, I’ve come up with a six-step conference networking plan.
Be strategic, be prepared
Have a plan of who you want to speak to at the conference, and consider reaching out to them in advance (especially if it’s a large meeting), to arrange a coffee. Have your ‘elevator pitch’ prepared – what your research topic is and what you’re trying to do.
Be strategic – who do you want to network with? What do you want from them? Who would be a powerful ally? Make a list and be prepared. Don’t just talk to your peers and friends.
Breaking into groups
Often the most difficult thing, especially for the more introverted or shy academic. My top tip at the dreaded ‘ice breaker’ is to head directly to the cloakroom to drop off bags and coats, and then to the drinks/snacks area. Once you’ve secured your drink or snack, turn to face the room. You’ll find lots of other people there, similarly equipped with a drink, looking for someone to talk to. Don’t hide by the door or the wall.
Tight groups who know each other are hard to break into. Do start with smaller groups first. Often the most powerful or most famous academics will find themselves rather mobbed at these events. Now is not the time to approach them.
Small talk builds rapport and connection
Small talk has an important function for building rapport. First time in Durham?
Be warm, friendly, approachable. Never gossip about others (unless it is to praise them).
Openers – don’t accidentally be rude!
If you’re meeting someone for the first time, at your poster, coffee table or networking event, I recommend starting with “Nice to see you!”. By the time you’re my age, you may well have met someone before – and they’re offended if you forget.
Try and use someone’s name a few times, to remember it.
Never assume someone’s career stage. It offends new faculty if you assume they’re a PhD student! And women, particularly younger women, are frequently talked down to. Be respectful, always.
And an exit – when it’s time to move on, you can say something like, “Well, it’s been great to chat, but I must let you get on…”
In poster sessions, it’s acceptable to drift away if the poster presenter starts getting involved with someone else. A respectful tap on the shoulder and a “catch you later” can also be effective.
Don’t go in for the hug – a lot of female conference goers are the recipient of lots of unwanted hugs. Offer a professional handshake until you know people well enough.
Build connection
People love to talk about what they’re working on. Follow up on their talk, their poster, or their recent paper. Don’t be shy – they want to talk about themselves!
Follow up
Follow up on socials, or send a brief email after a particularly meaningful or helpful interaction. Solidify the connection.
Do hand out business cards. Make notes of the interaction on any you receive.
Have an online presence
Following your academic networking event, make it easy for people to find you. Your name, research, papers and picture should be findable. That could be a webpage on your institution’s site, or your own simple Google site or similar. In any case, be visible, be findable.
You may want to use socials – BlueSky / X etc – this can be helpful for pre- and post-event networking.
Formal networks: a career enabler
Formal networks, such as serving on professional societies or committees or participating in formal research networks can increase your visibility and influence. It helps you to shape agendas, priorities and policy, and can help you make a name for yourself. Seek a growth from small to larger roles over time.
Serving in these ways can also show your credibility. It makes you be seen as a contributor, rather than a consumer.
This visibility and increase in your network can help you widen and deepen your network, helping to secure career-boosting grants, roles, talks and media opportunities. Opportunities follow from visibility.
Start small, stay intentional. Remember, your network is your power base.
Be strategic and guard your time
Don’t over commit
Prioritise roles that align with your goals, and who you want to deepen networks with. Complete tasks that are assigned to you competently.
Each service role should advance your research, expand your influence, and empower others.
Rotate off when it’s time to move on
After a few years, it may be time to move on. We get stale when we stay in roles for a long time. Make way for someone to follow in your footsteps and move your energy and novel ideas to the next new role.
Keep the ‘Why’ in sight
What is your rationale for accepting this service opportunity? How does it empower you and others?
Build a connection
Your aim for your network is to build a genuine connection to help you achieve your goals – and to help others achieve theirs.
How to get started in formal academic networks
It can often seem daunting. How do you land those coveted influential roles? How do you get invited to serve on an important committee?
First, join your professional societies. Show up, volunteer, attend events. Do things if you say you will do them.
Say yes to the small things. Chair a session, organise a trip. Show competence and enthusiasm and you’ll be invited to do more.
Be visible. Have a website, social media or use society platforms.
Collaborate, not compete: use committees to build lasting ties.
Be generous. Lift others up, and they will lift you up.
Create space. If it doesn’t exist, build it. Examples of people doing this include Polar Impact and Polar Pride.
Do you have any tips? Add your academic networking secrets in the comments.