1. Choose the right moment to make a connection
2. Think about what you can offer
3. Networking isn’t just about your work or research, it’s about building a community – so use other aspects of your life to connect
4. Be specific if you are making a request
5. Think about who you are connecting with – marginalised groups are often left behind
peer-to-peer networking is valuable
Hazel Gibson is Head of Communications at the European Geosciences Union. She is responsible for the management of the Union's social media presence and the EGU blogs, where she writes regularly for the EGU's official blog, GeoLog. She has over 12 years experience in science communication with public audiences and a PhD in Geoscience Communication and Cognition from the University of Plymouth in the UK.
