Maximizing Professional Networks: Leveraging Contacts to Discover Funding
Professional networks are at the heart of research communities. While these networks are often leveraged to learn about new research, spread the word about job openings, or collaborate on projects, they can also be a gold mine for discovering new funding opportunities.
There are numerous strategies that researchers can use to engage with their networks, especially with the goal of identifying new funding sources. Not all these strategies may be suitable for everyone; you can choose the ones that best fit your needs based on your current situation.
Attend Conferences and Workshops: Participate in discipline-specific conferences, workshops, and seminars to meet potential funders and collaborators. Networking at these events can lead to learning about new funding opportunities. Tip: representatives from funding agencies are often among the conference attendees as well!
Join Professional Associations: Become an active member of professional associations related to your field, and sign up on their mailing lists. These organizations often share funding opportunities with their members and provide networking events.
Leverage University Resources: Utilize your institution’s research office, which often has information about available grants and funding resources. They can also provide assistance with the application process.
Utilize Social Media Platforms: Engage with professionals and organizations on LinkedIn, Twitter, and other social media platforms. You can follow funding bodies and join relevant groups to stay updated on funding announcements.
Engage with Colleagues and Mentors: Seek advice from colleagues and mentors who have experience in securing funding. They can provide valuable insights and may have connections to funding bodies.
Collaborate on Projects: Partner with colleagues and peers on joint research projects. Collaborative efforts can open doors to funding sources that require multidisciplinary or multi-institutional involvement.
By implementing some of these strategies, you can tap into the wealth of funding opportunities that exist within your professional network. Our company is also committed to facilitating networking connections at future events to help you discover even more funding possibilities. Stay proactive and engage actively: your next big funding opportunity might be just a conversation away!
