Dear Solutions Lab,
I’m in the first year of my PhD and I feel quite isolated because I’m the only person in my department working in dementia research. Most of my peers are in very different fields, and while they’re supportive, it’s not the same as having people who ‘get’ the challenges of dementia studies. I can’t really afford to attend lots of conferences or big networking events — the cost and time away are just too much. As a first-generation students, I sometimes feel like I’m already at a disadvantage compared to others who seem to have more contacts and resources. How can I build a useful network of people in dementia research without needing to travel all the time or spend money I don’t have?
Hello,
I can really relate to how you’re feeling. Starting a PhD is tough enough, but doing it without peers in the same field nearby can feel like walking into a room where everyone’s speaking a different language. You didn’t mention what your research is about, but I do understand, and that having a sense of being a little ‘cut off’ is something a lot of dementia researchers experience, especially in smaller departments.
The first thing I’d say is: you don’t need to be at every conference to build a network. The Dementia Researcher community was created with exactly this problem in mind, so you’ve already got a whole network of people working in dementia at every career stage, all in one place, and it doesn’t cost anything to join. You can ask questions, share your work, or even just chat about the day-to-day. Over time, those small exchanges add up to a proper sense of belonging. To get going, I would recommend creating a post in our ‘Introduce yourself’ space, and tell everyone about your work, and be clear in saying that you want to make connections – we also have journal clubs and a new forum that might help.
Another option is ISTAART, the Alzheimer’s Association’s professional society. Joining is free for PhD students, and it opens doors to international working groups where you can collaborate on publications, projects, and workshops without needing to travel. That can put you in touch with people far beyond your department.
I also shouldn’t underestimate the role of social media. I know lots of people who’ve found their crowd on Instagram, X, LinkedIn, and even Bluesky. Those platforms can connect you with people who share your interests. Following researchers, joining discussions, and contributing little by little can help you become part of a wider conversation. It doesn’t replace face-to-face networking, but it does give you visibility and a way to keep in touch between those bigger events.
And finally, remember that networks aren’t only about other researchers. Build connections with people in adjacent areas, like clinicians, charities, patient groups. They’ll broaden your view and remind you why you’re doing the work in the first place.
You might feel like you’re starting with less, but actually you’re already doing the right thing: asking how to build from where you are. That persistence, plus the digital tools now available, means you don’t have to be in a big lab or spend heavily on travel to become part of the wider dementia research world.
Adam Smith