Building a Professional Network in Science

🔍 New guidance for researchers engaging with the UK government The Government Office for Science has just updated its guidance on how academics can engage with government - outlining practical routes for impact and influence at every career stage. The refreshed resource highlights pathways from responding to Areas of Research Interest (ARIs) and calls for evidence, to exchange schemes, UKRI Policy Fellowships, and opportunities to join advisory groups or expert networks. They have included illustrative case studies from academics at different career stages engaging with different channels. Whether you’re starting out or already experienced in policy engagement, this update is well worth exploring (I've popped the link in the comments) #ResearchImpact #PolicyEngagement #KnowledgeExchange

In my career I’ve had the privilege of working abroad, moving from my native England to spending nearly 6 years in the NHL and NFL across America. One of the most frequent questions I get asked is how to land jobs abroad, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: build your network in a genuine, authentic way. I remember when I got my job in the US—it wasn’t because of a CV submission, but because someone in my network was asked for recommendations for sports scientists. My name was put forward because I’d connected with that person, built trust, and maintained that relationship. Had I not made the effort to meet them and stay in touch, that opportunity might not have come my way. So, what’s the secret to building a network that works for you? Don’t just cold-call people to make sure they know your name. Instead, engage in conversation. Ask specific questions, share your research, and offer value to the conversation. Relationships are two-way streets. Social media and video conferencing are powerful tools. Use them to connect with professionals around the world—there are no limits to the size of your network these days! Be genuine and patient. These relationships often take time to grow, but when they do, they can open doors to amazing opportunities. Building a network in sports science isn’t just about getting your name out there—it’s about creating lasting, valuable relationships. These are the ones that can lead to unexpected opportunities. Check out the full video where I dive into top tips for working abroad and share more stories about how networking shaped my career: https://buff.ly/408cM3z

Most of the advice for breaking into a climate career is now dangerously out of date. For years, the playbook has been singular: learn about solar, wind and EVs. That advice just became a fraction of the story. Last week, the Australian Government released two landmark documents: the National Climate Risk Assessment and the National Adaptation Plan. More than simply policy papers, they are a formal declaration that a second, parallel climate economy is here. The '𝗔𝗱𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗘𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝘆'. Backed by a A$9 billion commitment, the focus is no longer just on preventing future change. It’s on managing the reality that’s already here. The Risk Assessment provides the sobering 'why', confirming in stark detail the cascading impacts on our infrastructure, economy and communities. The Adaptation Plan provides the 'how', like investing in nature-based solutions such as the mangrove ecosystems that protect our coastlines (pictured). It creates a vast new frontier for career-transitioners. And it’s already the lived reality of the professionals building this new economy, many of whom are members of our Climate Crew community. It requires the urban planning skills of leaders like Roland Chanin-Morris of Ramboll, who is designing our future resilient cities. But physical assets are only half the picture. True resilience is built at the community level, which is why the strategic engagement work of founders like Nicole Dennis of Cobalt Engagement – leading those complex on-the-ground conversations – is now an essential service. This new reality also demands a new kind of strategist. People like Josue Castro of BWD Strategic, who has pivoted his high-level government experience to help organisations navigate climate risk, and systems thinkers like Oliver Dykes at Deloitte, who redesign entire organisations for a resilient future. Underpinning it all is a revolution in finance, driven by innovators like Renate Crollini of Adaluma Tech, who is building the tools to embed risk into capital decisions, guided by the global expertise of policy architects like Linda Romanovska of Melomys Advisory, who co-authors the international frameworks that make this possible. If you are a career seeker, I encourage you to connect with the people whose work you find most relevant. This is what Climate Crew is for: to make the connections that build the future. The message is clear. We don't 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 need renewable energy engineers. We need builders, planners, financiers and organisers. Your skills are now climate skills. The opportunity to find your life's work in climate has never been greater. #ClimateCareers #ClimateAdaptation #GreenJobs #ClimateAction #CareerTransition #NationalAdaptationPlan #WorkOnClimate Image: Mangroves in Woy Woy, NSW. Sourced from the National Adaptation Plan (Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water). © Commonwealth of Australia. Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International.

Many patients are generating extraordinary health data every single day. Most of it goes nowhere. My daughter Kim has lived with type 1 diabetes for 23 years. Her CGM, her wearables, her insulin pen, her lived experience of how stress, sleep, and food affect her glucose — none of that feeds into the research that works on the cure. This is what we are changing. At Leiden University Medical Center CureOne T1D Research Center, we are bringing together over a hundred researchers, physicians, and specialists under one roof with a single goal: to cure T1D within five years for the first cohort of patients. Most building blocks (pluripotent stem cells, CAR-T, CRISPR, mRNA, AI) are in place. But the missing piece may be closer than we think: it's the patients themselves. Citizen Science is how we will close that gap. A platform where people with T1D voluntarily contribute their real-world data into a shared pool, becoming genuine partners in the research that could one day free them from what they manage every day. Real-world data, collected at scale, that no clinical trial was ever designed to capture. With AI to discover new patterns, stratify patients, and gather real-world feedback. Please comment on my blog about why patients may hold the key to their own cure and why the same logic applies to some of the biggest unsolved questions in medicine today. As a board member of DON, it is an honor to be working with key players in the ecosystem Leiden University Medical Center, Diabetes Fonds, Bas Van de Goor, Diabeter , RegMed XB #CitizenScience #Type1Diabetes

How do you actually find high-quality professional networks and events within your industry? Here’s how I go about it. Every industry has some kind of professional body, council, or forum that’s nationally or globally recognised as trusted. These are often the best places to meet credible people, access resources, and stay plugged into what’s happening in your field. Here’s what to look out for: 1. “The Royal Society of…” If you’re in a STEM discipline, this one will sound familiar. When I studied Chemistry, for example, the Royal Society of Chemistry was the go-to professional body. 2. A Forum Forums bring together thought leaders and practitioners on a global scale. In cybersecurity, there’s the Global Cybersecurity Forum. If you’re in international relations or politics, it might be the World Economic Forum. 3. A Council Councils are often standards or policy-driven but are still great for networking and credibility. For example, the UK Cybersecurity Council sets the professional framework for the industry. 4. A Foundation Foundations, often led by influential figures within an industry, are great places to learn, collaborate and build meaningful connections. 5. An Institution You’ll often see this in technical disciplines for instance, the Institution of Engineering and Technology. So if you’re trying to grow your network, start by searching for: • The Royal Society of… • The Institution of… • A Forum • A Council • Or a Foundation in your field. These are usually the most credible and established spaces

📣 𝘾𝙡𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙛𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙖𝙡: 𝙋𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙧 𝙈𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙨 & 𝘾𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙚𝙧 𝙏𝙧𝙪𝙩𝙝𝙨 𝙁𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙇𝙚𝙜𝙖𝙡 𝘼𝙙𝙫𝙞𝙨𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙤 𝙀𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙜𝙮 𝙎𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙜𝙞𝙨𝙩: 𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝙆𝙖𝙫𝙞𝙩𝙖 𝙃𝙚𝙡𝙥𝙚𝙙 𝙎𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙚 𝙖 $1𝘽 𝙂𝙧𝙞𝙙 𝙍𝙚𝙨𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙋𝙧𝙤𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙢 This next installment of 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹 is what I call required reading. Kavita Vaidyanathan is a force in federal service—someone who didn’t wait for a title to lead or an invitation to make impact. She carved a path that’s both intentional and remarkable—from Attorney Advisor at the Department of Energy to Deputy Assistant General Counsel helping shape billion-dollar national energy resilience programs. This story? It’s not just about one person’s rise. It’s a window into what’s possible when someone: ☑️ Leads cross-agency negotiations without a title. ☑️ Moves laterally for the sake of growth. ☑️ Leans into complexity and builds coalitions with purpose. And she didn’t stop there. Kavita has taken her deep understanding of federal law and translated it into strategic guidance on energy delivery, decarbonization, and infrastructure resilience—advising not only the DOE but White House leadership too. If you’re navigating federal systems, legal pathways, or complex change environments—there’s something in this story for you. And if you’ve ever wondered whether bold moves and strategic thinking still get rewarded? This story says yes. Which part of Kavita’s story resonates most with your own career journey—or where you want to go next? 👇 Read Kavita’s full story below. TL;DR After starting her legal career at the Department of Energy, Kavita Vaidyanathan charted a bold path from attorney to senior strategist—playing a key role in billion-dollar resilience and decarbonization efforts. Her story is about vision, grit, and stretching beyond the job description. If you’ve ever wanted to move from advisory to strategic leadership, her journey is the blueprint. #careercoach #careerdevelopment #peoplemanagement

When I first started meeting bureaucrats, policymakers, and politicians while working on air pollution and climate change, I assumed scientific research would naturally lead to better policies. But over time, I kept getting the same response—expressed in different ways. Here, I’m sharing some early experiences that shaped my understanding of this disconnect. 🔹 One of my first experiences was when a very senior officer invited us to discuss solutions. As scientists, we proposed a research-driven approach that would take two to three years. His response? "We have funding that must be spent within a year. We expected practical solutions from you. We can’t wait three years—I might even be transferred before then." 🔹 Another realization came when we proposed analyzing pollution sources. A senior officer responded, "We already know the sources—traffic, industry, construction, waste burning, road dust, cooking fuel, etc. Will your study show anything drastically different?" When we explained that our study would refine insights and reduce uncertainties, his response was: "We don’t care about these nuances right now. That detail matters later, once mitigation efforts are underway. Right now, we need feasible solutions that fit economic, demographic, and practical constraints." Another officer later remarked: "Scientists aren’t here to provide solutions. Their focus is securing funding, publishing papers, and showcasing work to funders." He even cited global reports that had never been downloaded. At that moment, I felt disappointed. But I also realized they weren’t entirely wrong—perhaps even more right than I was. Policymakers work within short funding cycles, shifting priorities, and limited tenures—typically three years for an officer, five for a politician. Their constraints are real, and their approach reflects these realities. 💡 This disconnect between science and policy is a major barrier in sustainability. Scientists seek accuracy, while policymakers need actionable, timely solutions. So, how do we bridge this gap? ✔ Policy-Research Intermediaries – Teams that translate scientific findings into actionable policies. ✔ Adaptive Research Timelines – Delivering short-term, high-impact solutions alongside long-term studies. ✔ Collaborative Working Groups – Scientists, policymakers, and stakeholders aligning research with real-world needs. ✔ Flexible Funding Models – Ensuring funding supports both immediate action and long-term research. 🚀 If we don’t bridge this gap, science remains detached from policy, and policy stays reactive instead of proactive. #AirPollution #ClimateAction #SciencePolicy #Sustainability #Collaboration #ResearchToAction

Many federal researchers and contractors worry about whether their skills are relevant in the private sector. The good news? They absolutely are. Here’s how your expertise translates into new career paths: ✅ Survey & Data Analysis → Market Research, UX Research, Data Science Your experience designing surveys, analyzing data, and generating insights is in high demand for companies that rely on customer insights, user behavior analysis, and predictive modeling. ✅ Policy & Program Evaluation → Corporate Strategy, Public Affairs, Consulting Businesses and nonprofits need experts who can assess the effectiveness of their initiatives. Your ability to evaluate government programs directly applies to performance measurement, strategic planning, and impact assessments. ✅ Grant & Contract Management → Business Development, Proposal Writing If you’ve written grants or managed federal contracts, you have expertise in funding acquisition, compliance, and stakeholder management—highly valuable in consulting, contracting, and fundraising roles. ✅ Technical Writing & Presentations → Corporate Communications, Advisory Roles Your ability to translate complex research into actionable insights makes you a strong fit for industry thought leadership, client presentations, and executive briefings. ✅ Cross-Agency Collaboration → Project Management, Government Affairs Private-sector firms working with government agencies value professionals who understand bureaucracy and can navigate policy landscapes effectively. Industries Actively Hiring Former Federal Researchers: • Market Research & Consumer Insights (Ipsos, Nielsen, Gartner) • UX Research & Human Factors (Google, Meta, Amazon) • Government Contracting & Public Sector Consulting (Booz Allen Hamilton, RAND, MITRE) • Healthcare & Pharma Research (Kaiser, Pfizer, UnitedHealth) • Regulatory & Compliance Roles (EPA, FDA, Corporate ESG Teams) • Nonprofits & Think Tanks (Urban Institute, Brookings, Pew Research) Your federal research experience is more transferable than you think. If you’re considering a career shift, these industries value the expertise you bring.

Transitioning to an AI governance career? Focus on building a mix of policy knowledge, technical literacy, and practical career capital. 1. Build Foundational knowledge and technical literacy. study core Regulatory Frameworks; reading the NIST AI Risk Management Framework (AI RMF 1.0) and its companion Playbook, the EU AI Act, and the OECD AI Principles. Develop Technical Fluency.. you don't need to be a software engineer, technical literacy is non-negotiable. Understand AI and machine learning fundamentals conceptually, which includes understanding model types, the AI development lifecycle, and how to critically evaluate technical documentation like model cards and safety evaluations. This landscape moves incredibly fast. Subscribe to key publications like the IAPP Privacy Advisor, Brookings TechTank, Stanford HAI publications, and Jack Clark's Import AI newsletter. 2. Take the Artificial Intelligence Governance Professional (AIGP) certification, which is widely considered the gold standard credential for this field. Other strong complementary certifications include the CIPP/US for privacy law or the ISO/IEC 42001 Lead Implementer. Enroll in foundational courses, such as Coursera’s offerings on AI Strategy and Governance (Wharton), Generative AI Policy (University of Michigan), or AI Governance (Oxford). 3. Draft some writing samples.. excellent written communication is universally required for these roles. Start building a portfolio by drafting a sample AI Use Policy for a fictional organization, writing regulatory comments, or creating policy briefs. Don't forget to conduct independent research .. test your fit for the career by doing a short bout of independent research, investigating neglected AI policy questions, and sharing your wor for feedback. 4. Join the IAPP AI Governance Center, attend local chapter events, and participate in major conferences like the IAPP Global Summit or the ACM FAccT conference. Fellowships are a high-impact entry pathway for career changers. Look into options like the GovAI DC Summer Fellowship, TechCongress, or the AAAS Science and Technology Policy Fellowship. You can also apply for transition programs like the Arcadia Impact AI Governance Taskforce, which is a 12-week, part-time program designed specifically to help experienced professionals transition into the field through hands-on policy research. 5.  You can often transition smoothly by layering AI-specific knowledge onto your current expertise. Many successful AI governance professionals transition directly from adjacent roles in privacy, technology law, general public policy, or data science. Organizations frequently build their AI governance programs out of existing privacy, legal, or compliance structures, making those backgrounds highly valuable. https://lnkd.in/eEECFmaq #AIGovernance #AI #Cybersecurity

Have you heard of openproblems.bio? 🧬 It's kind of like Kaggle for single-cell biology. And it's a brilliant model of how the ML and bioinformatics communities collaborate. Single-cell analysis sits at a fascinating intersection: massive, tabular datasets meet cutting-edge ML meets the messy reality of biology. But here's the challenge: ML researchers love Jupyter notebooks, while biology demands robust, reproducible pipelines for processing data. Different tools, different cultures. OpenProblems.bio bridges this gap brilliantly. It transforms core single-cell challenges into living, community-run benchmarks where anyone can: ✅ Submit methods in Python or R (no pipeline expertise needed) ✅ Compare results fairly with standardized datasets and metrics ✅ Access everything openly, including published results and methods The secret sauce? A powerful three-part ecosystem: * Viash converts scripts into reproducible pipeline components * Nextflow orchestrates complex workflows * Seqera provides the platform for elastic cloud execution on AWS What excites me most: this is **FAIR open science done right** Complete transparency, version control, quality checks built in, and a framework that welcomes contributions from both communities without forcing either to abandon their tools. Tasks range from dimensionality reduction to perturbation prediction, with new benchmarks continually added by the community. If you're working in computational biology or ML for life sciences, this is infrastructure worth knowing about. The future of biomedical AI needs exactly this kind of collaborative, rigorous foundation. Thanks to Robrecht Cannoodt and the openproblems.bio community for collaborating on the blog: https://lnkd.in/gpNJNd2r #Bioinformatics #MachineLearning #SingleCell #OpenScience #Benchmarking