Print This PostNetworking. That word can feel loaded, can’t it? It conjures up images of awkward mingling, forced smiles, and wondering if you’re supposed to hand out business cards (do researchers even do that?). But here’s the truth: in research—especially in something as collaborative and emotionally complex as dementia research—building relationships really matters.
I’m not saying you have to become the life of the conference social evening. Far from it. But making connections can help you find collaborators, discover opportunities, get feedback on your work, and maybe, if you’re lucky, stumble into something that changes the course of your research. Or career. Or both.
The reason I am thinking about this right now is because myself and three great colleagues from ISTAART were invited to create a workshops for this years AAIC, to help ECRs with establishing networks and finding mentors.. and if nothing else, I thought writing a blog would help me to organise my thoughts.
I think my first tip would be to start before you actually need something!
It sounds obvious, but we often wait too long. We think, “I’ll reach out once I have something to show.” But it’s usually more effective to start small, early, and without an agenda. Maybe it’s just a quick comment on someone’s poster. Or replying to a social media post. Or asking a thoughtful (but not show-offy) question at a seminar.
The less pressure you put on these early interactions, the more natural they tend to feel—for both sides.
I’m a big fan of sliding into someone’s consciousness slowly.. even it its just liking the things they post.
In my case, networking isn’t just something I should do—it’s absolutely essential. It’s how I raise awareness about the Dementia Researcher service, how I find brilliant blog contributors, podcast guests, webinar presenters, even experts for our Solutions Lab. Without those connections, a lot of what we do simply wouldn’t happen. Honestly, I think most of our best ideas and collaborations have started with a simple conversation—often one that had no particular goal at the time, just a willingness to talk and see where it leads.
I will give you an example… when I turned up to this years Alzheimer’s Research UK Conference, I knew I needed to record a highlights podcast, and I knew that Rebecca Williams would be the host, but I didn’t have any other guests. I bumped into Beth Williams, who I met at a conference the year before, we chatted and she became guest number two, and I met Gargi Roy and Donatella Di Rienzo for the very first time during the conference, and they became guests’ number three and four. Now that might turn to be a off-off thing, but now we all have a connection, we know more about each other, and our networks become a little wider.. and who knows where that might be useful in the future.
Now… because its my job to network, don’ t think it becomes easy! The first move is always a little awkward
There’s no sugar-coating this—making the first move is rarely comfortable. Especially if you’re early in your career, or if the person you want to speak to feels… well, important. And they probably are. But they’re also just people (anyone who has ever met rockstars like Henrik Zetterberg or Maria Carillo will tell you… they were so nice). But anyway, here are a few things that might help:
- Prepare one question. Not a full-blown pitch. Just a single, sincere question about their work.
- Be transparent. “Hi, I really admire your work, and I’m a bit nervous about approaching, but I wanted to ask…” That kind of honesty? It’s disarming, and it shows humility.
- Don’t overthink the format. In-person, online, during coffee breaks, via email, over LinkedIn—whatever suits you. (I still find social media surprisingly effective, though I’m aware it’s a bit of a minefield.)
I wrote a blog post about writing cold emails a while ago, you may also want to take a look at that. The thing to remember is that you don’t need a grand reason.
One of the biggest blockers is feeling like you don’t have a good enough reason to reach out. But honestly, curiosity is reason enough. If someone’s work made you think, or you’ve got a hunch your research might align, say that.
You won’t get a response every time. That’s fine. Most researchers are busy, juggling teaching, grant writing, admin, life. Don’t take silence personally. And if it’s face-to-face rejection? Extremely rare. People are generally kind—especially in this field, where empathy is part of the job.
So the key takeaway here is to follow Up, but don’t cling. If you do have a good first chat, follow up, just a short message thanking them for their time goes a long way. Maybe share a paper you mentioned. Maybe offer to stay in touch if you’re at a similar career stage. That’s enough.
But also: don’t chase. Let some interactions live as one-offs. Not every conversation has to turn into collaboration.
In all of this, its also not just about senior people, its also just important to find YOUR people. Take time to build a network of peers. People at your level, who understand the same pressures and share the same reference points. These are often the most enduring connections—the ones that turn into grant partners, conference roommates, maybe even lifelong friends. One of the reasons why I was passionate about creating the Dementia Researcher Community, because sometimes, those are the hardest connections to start, weirdly. It feels like you should already know each other. But even a simple, “I’ve seen your name around and wanted to say hi” is enough. Chances are, they were thinking the same.
Final thought (which might contradict something above). You don’t have to network all the time. It’s okay to sit out of the pub trip, or skip the icebreaker, or not join every Slack group. We all have different capacities. Just try not to avoid connection entirely—especially not because you’re waiting for the “right time.” There’s rarely a perfect moment. Sometimes you just have to go for it.
Or at least… send the message.
I am really looking forward to sharing more details on our workshop at AAIC, but in the meantime, I hope this blog was useful.
Adam Smith
Author
Adam Smith was born in the north, a long time ago. He wanted to write books, but ended up working in the NHS, and at the Department of Health. He is now Programme Director at University College London (which probably sounds more important than it is – his words). He has led a number of initiatives to improve dementia research (including this website, Join Dementia Research & ENRICH), as well as pursuing his own research interests. In his spare time, he grows vegetables, builds Lego, likes rockets & spends most of his time drinking too much coffee and squeezing technology into his house.
Follow @betterresearch.bsky.social
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