How Bad Luck and Bad Networking Cost Douglas Prasher a Nobel Prize (2011)

Has anyone got any tips on networking? I'm not really sure how to do it. I'll meet researchers at conferences and introduce myself, but they will have surely forgotten about me once the conference is over.

There's two things I'm trying to do to help with this. The first is to get as many collaborations with different people as possible. Most of my work so far has a lot of different names on each paper, and I feel this is useful in that co-authors might remember me when they're starting a new research project. The second thing I'm trying is to create an online presence. I was initially opposed to this for a long time because it feels like "tooting my own horn" but at the same time, it's starting to feel like a necessity. So I created a LinkedIn, a ResearchGate page, and a little personal webpage.

The secret to networking is to think of it less like, "how many people can I meet and exchange contact info with?" and more like, "who's the ONE person here I'm supposed to meet?" -- and when you find that person, spend lots of time. Think of these opportunities as a time to fine one friend.

The best way to network in science is to be earnest and unafraid.

Earnest in that you take a genuine interest in understanding (and not just undercutting) other people's work, and unafraid in that you're not afraid to email anyone questions, talk to them at conferences, or ask to stop by and chat when you're traveling through their city.

After doing this for several years I basically accidentally found myself 'highly networked.'

Just like anything else, you have to guess where the greatest value will be, and focus your work there. Yeah, probably most people you meet at conferences will forget you--that's ok. Pick the few that seemed most promising, or with whom you got along with, and follow up with them. Don't let them forget you.

> co-authors might remember me when they're starting a new research project

If you're co-author with someone, that is a pretty good start! The work of networking is to take the "might" out of the equation. If you stay in touch with them regularly, they will definitely remember you.

Do something that people can't ignore.

I'm still internalizing that "Who's the ONE" recommendation, after years of watching my "Got to catch them all" strategy consistently show low returns. Thank you for reminding me to switch to the better one. :)

Easier said than done.