Accessing and Activating International Research Networks: A Hands-On Training

Register: Accessing and Activating International Research Networks: A Hands-On Training

Target group: PhD candidates & all researchers with a PhD 

Language: English

Description

International networks are a key driver of research careers, shaping access to collaboration, funding, visibility, and long-term professional opportunities. While most researchers are already embedded in multiple formal and informal networks, these connections are often not actively reflected upon or strategically leveraged.

This training addresses this gap by offering participants a structured yet open space to reflect on their existing networks, understand how they currently engage with them, and explore new international networking opportunities aligned with their individual career goals. Rather than focusing on “networking as self-promotion,” the workshop emphasizes relationship-building, mutual exchange, and intentional engagement.

Training Objectives and Learning Outcomes

The goal of the training is to enable participants to more consciously and strategically engage with international professional networks.

By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:

• Reflect on their current career stage and networking needs
• Identify and map their existing professional and international networks (formal, informal, online, project-based) and how they function
• Practical strategies for engaging with and activating networks
• Identify new international networks relevant to their research and career goals
• Improve their online professional presence as a networking tool
• Leave the session with an actionable plan they can implement immediately

About the Trainers

Monika Bauer is the Liaison and Partnership Officer at the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA), where she fosters and leverages international research networks that bridge science, policy, and society. With 16 years of experience in international collaboration, she designs and coordinates strategic partnerships across regions, develops global engagement platforms, and convenes high-level dialogues. Her work focuses on building trusted partnerships and strengthening research capacity to deliver impact at scale.

Stephany Mazon is a science engagement strategist and founder of Science Imaginarium, with a PhD in Atmospheric Science. She designs interaction formats between research, policy, industry, and society, and brings over seven years of experience at pan-European and international levels. Her work includes expanding researcher networks, facilitating EU foresight workshops and COP-level dialogues, and developing simulation games and capacity-building trainings to translate scientific knowledge into societal innovation and informed decision-making.

Together, we combine strategic international partnership expertise with innovative science engagement design, creating highly interactive, practice-oriented workshops that equip participants with concrete tools and a clear action plan.