Authentic Visibility for Researchers
Academia has an odd relationship with self-promotion. Many postdocs and PhD candidates feel uneasy “showing off,” especially when overloaded with teaching, lab work, and writing. Yet, as Robert Kötter explained in our *Tbh-Conference 2024 session “Authentic Visibility for Researchers”, remaining invisible can undermine your broader goals – whether that’s attracting funding, building a diverse network, or gaining recognition for your breakthroughs. Below is an overview of Roberts’s major points, framed for any researcher aiming to balance public presence with genuine self-expression.
Why Visibility Matters
Conference talks and journal publications remain core to academic reputation. In addition to that, deliberate, regular outreach – particularly on social media or via informal events – offers significant benefits. By openly communicating your ideas, you’ll discover future collaborators. Whether you’re modeling protein structures or analyzing ancient manuscripts, your next partner-in-research might spot a short post or read a quick blog entry. Small notes spark big conversations. Also, you strengthen your own grant prospects, because funding bodies increasingly value researchers who can transport broader impacts, think about Science Communication here. A compelling online profile or well-organized webinar signals you’re capable of engaging audiences outside the academic bubble. And – you’ll raise career prospects, because many advanced roles in industry, nonprofits, and academia are also advertised in the unusual channels, you might not be in touch with. Decision-makers often notice individuals who regularly share insights, show off thoughtful perspectives, and comment on related work.
The Three Foundations: Clarity, Consistency, and Confidence
1. Clarity
Authentic visibility starts with knowing your goals. Some researchers simply want to connect with relevant peers; others hope to educate the public. Before posting online or signing up for a talk, ask yourself:
- Which skills or findings do I want to highlight?
- What kind of audience benefits most from hearing me—scientists in adjacent fields, prospective students, or perhaps people from industry?
Use everyday language when possible, without burying your expertise. Robert noted that many early-career academics fear oversimplifying, yet bridging that gap is essential. Robert’s advice: Explain technical terms at a pace that invites curiosity – give them a name, but also a story.
2. Consistency
It’s easy to post once, lose interest, and vanish. That approach never gains traction. A recommendation: Two to four hours weekly for communication efforts – enough to maintain an active presence but not so much you abandon lab duties.
- Define a channel (e.g., LinkedIn, a personal blog, or short Zoom sessions).
- Commit to sharing progress, reflections, or relevant articles on a schedule.
- Blend your updates with comments on others’ work; mutual engagement builds a sense of community.
3. Confidence
We often worry about appearing braggy, but the act of caring about that already proves you’re not. Constructive self-revelation – talking honestly about a small breakthrough or a setback – can resonate with fellow researchers who feel similar pressures. The fact that you question your own bravado suggests you’re far from a mindless self-promoter.
Balancing Reality with Personal Style
Early-career researchers often juggle short-term contracts, endless revisions, and intense publication targets. A practical way forward includes – as stated above – carving out two hours each week for outreach; a manageable window for drafting posts, refining lectures, or asking questions on specialized forums. Narrowing one’s core message to two or three defining themes establishes a clear research identity and avoids a scattershot “generalist” impression. It can also help to form a small, supportive messenger group with colleagues; whenever someone shares new content, the others respond quickly, creating engagement within the all-important first hour – a strategy sometimes dubbed “hacking the algorithm.”
Caution: Trolls and Critics
Visibility has downsides. Negative comments and online harassment can appear, especially if your field taps hot-button issues. It helps to avoid engaging with every bot or troll. When people show no real intent for dialogue, responding can waste energy. Post the same statement once, clarify if needed, and let genuine readers appreciate your content.”
“If they’re not truly interested in dialogue,” he said, “answering them wastes your energy. Post the same statement once, clarify if needed, and let genuine readers appreciate your content.”
Advice for Postdocs and Other Academics
- Tie Visibility to Your Ongoing Projects
Turn that puzzling dataset or newly published figure into a concise post or slide deck. Resist the urge to wait for “perfect” finality; a sense of “in progress” can invite helpful comments. - Draw from Everyday Moments
If you’re explaining a topic repeatedly to students, craft that same explanation online. Or if a peer asked about your unusual methodology, create a Q&A piece you can share more widely. - Collaborate, Don’t Just Broadcast
By reacting to others’ updates or retweeting their findings, you position yourself as a real listener. Reciprocity wins trust faster than solitary showboating.
An Invitation to Grow
Authenticity remains the heart of it all. Researchers enter fields to communicate new knowledge remaining hidden benefits less. While many fear “self-promotion”, reframing the process as “community-building” offers a more constructive lens. If you all do is quietly accumulating results, those insights might remain locked in your lab notes or behind paywalls. Meanwhile, short, consistent updates can illuminate entire fields and spark cross-disciplinary synergy.
In this *Tbh Conference session, Robert urged attendees to see genuine, measured communication not as a vanity project but as a motor of professional growth. By self-clarifying your purpose, structuring a small communication routine, and staying true to your own style, you’ll step beyond your own comfort zone. And in doing so, you’ll ensure that your ideas – whether that’s a novel gene-editing protocol or a fresh perspective on medieval scrolls – find the audiences that can benefit.
Final Word
Expanding your presence in a thoughtful, value-driven way may initially feel foreign. But small steps like reaching out online, sharing personal reflections about data, or hosting a mini-webinar, will gather momentum. Over time, you’ll notice that consistent, authentic presence helps your research shine, opens new collaborations, and enriches the collective dialogue that defines modern academia.
If authenticity is the key, you already have it. The real question is how boldly you’re willing to let it show.
Our Partners
The *Tbh-Conference was supported by AlumNode – your network by Klaus Tschira Stiftung, and made possible by funding from the foundation Klaus Tschira Stiftung. Thank you to TwentyOne Skills for the support!
