Plan academic mobility and build a network

A useful academic connection starts with a shared question or activity. Focus on relationships that help your work develop.

Identify a practical goal

Decide whether you need feedback, a method, access to a facility, a co-author or a host. This makes it easier to choose a workshop, research group or network. COST Actions and funded-project directories can help you discover relevant communities.

Make a specific contribution

Read the network’s aims and participation rules. Introduce your expertise and suggest a relevant working group or activity. Joining a mailing list does not automatically provide a grant or reimbursement; confirm the conditions for the activity you want to attend.

Plan a visit with the host

Agree the purpose, dates, outputs, workspace and expected supervision. Check travel, accommodation, insurance and any access fees. Confirm the funding decision before assuming costs will be reimbursed. Laboratory-location requirements can matter more than citizenship for some exchange schemes.

Follow through

After a meeting or visit, send the material you promised and record what to do next. Maintain a concise academic profile and an accurate publication list. A small set of reliable collaborators is more useful than a large list of contacts with no shared work.

Your checklist

• Purpose of contact defined
• Participation and funding rules checked
• Visit responsibilities agreed
• Follow-up recorded