[ScholarX TakeAways] Promoting Your Research
I am someone who ventured into the world of research just a few months back, as a requirement of my final year at university. Given that it carries a huge weightage for this academic year, we knew how important research is but we did not really know about the dynamics of the research community.
Therefore, it was only following a seminar held by our ScholarX mentor — Dr. Kasun Bandara, I truly understood the importance of effectively presenting and promoting our research work. So here I am today, with blog #3 on my takeaways from the ScholarX mentorship program. And since we already spoke about presenting research, today is all about promoting research! I hope you have a good read :)
Why Promote Research?
First things first. We, as researchers, conduct studies to discover new knowledge. Once this knowledge is discovered, it is our responsibility to disseminate it to the outside world. This is where promotion comes into play.
The primary goal of promoting research is to raise awareness about the work you have done. To share new-found knowledge with the rest of the research community, and with the world in general.
But there are other plus points to promoting your research as well. It will automatically create an academic profile for you that enriches over time while enhancing your reputation and visibility.
Furthermore, it will help you attract willing funders and industry collaborators. This will not only bring publicity but will also bring about an influx of resources that could empower your work.
Where To Start?
So where do we start? As with everything else in this modern world, digital platforms are your best place. Because with the advancement of the online world and the opportunities it has brought in, there is so much growth potential on these platforms.
For us computing-undergraduates, Google Scholar, GitHub, LinkedIn, and Twitter are some ideal platforms to start with. Given how these platforms are often a part of our day-to-day life, I am certain that it would not be a tough task for you.
Therefore, create your own digital identity. You can be an amateur in the research world with no real contribution yet, but it is okay. Start now, because you can add to your profile over time.
Being Active
Alright, so here is the important part! You cannot create a profile for yourself, and then just let it be. Be active and stay active. Update your profiles with your work, engage with your friends and followers.
If there comes a time where you have no new work to post, it is alright. After all, no one expects you to experiment all day, every day.
BUT, you still can write about your focus domain. Share what you have learned when doing background studies for your work. Review your colleagues' work. Share your honest feedback.
There is SOOO MUCH that you can do on your social accounts to stay active, so do not let them idle.
Network!!!!
Networking is ABSOLUTELY important for researchers. It is not just networking online, but offline as well. This is because networking brings to you so many new opportunities to promote your work and acquire insights — that you would not have gained just by reading papers and theses.
So network on Twitter and LinkedIn. Network in conferences and seminars. Network at meetups and workshops. Network WHENEVER you get the opportunity. And once you do so, you would realize how valuable it is.
So do keep in mind folks, promoting your research is important! For both yourself and the academic community.
With that, let me wrap up this blog. Looking forward to sharing new ScholarX knowledge with you along the way.
Till then, Au revoir!
