Speakers:

Lorenz Adlung, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Science Slammer, Lecturer in Science Communication

Maria-Elena Vorrath, Postdoc at Hamburg University, Science Slammer, Author

Moderation: Anne Schreiter

Key Messages:

Know your audience – is it other scientists? Companies? Investors? A school class? Your family?

Tailor your activities to your audience – this can range from a scientific talk to a science slam, rap music, or even a comedy show (all things Elena & Lorenz have done).

Being visible is always a good idea – no matter if you do it for your career, because you feel you need to give back to the taxpayer, or just because it’s fun!

Helpful Tools & Tipps:

→ When you want to start to become more visible:

Your audience is other researchers:

• Consider a Research Gate and Google Scholar profile
• X is still widely used in the research community – let’s see where it is heading, though
• Ask questions at conferences, host workshops or talks
• If you present a poster or have slides: Add a QR code to your website and a photo (theory of warmness!)
• Be prepared and practice a very short pitch for your poster

Your audience is companies and other people:

• Consider a LinkedIn profile – it should be in good shape (see Elenas and Lorenz Profiles above)
• give people a hook, write something unique about you/your activity on your profile
• Make your interaction personal (e.g., send a personal message when you connect with someone on LinkedIn, introduce yourself, tell them where you met and what you talked about, and why you are interested in staying connected)
• interact with people (e.g., commenting – people go on your profile and you grow your network)
• have a website – it’s easy and a digital business card
• have a real business card – Pro Tipp: Elena added “Where we met” and “What we talked about” on her business card

→ Tipps on networking:

• Always be prepared for new interactions; prepare a short bio and some questions; start your questions with ‘how..’, ‘can you elaborate…’ etc and not with ‘do you…’ (open questions)
• Be appreciative when you interact with others, everyone needs more positivity in their lives
• Dare to be honest and authentic – that creates trust 
• Do not take rejections personally
• Remember that people higher up the ladder are humans, too
• Connect people with each other – you grow your own network that way

»You have nothing to lose, just start getting out there.« – Lorenz Adlung

→ When visibility and networking are beyond your comfort zone:

• Be prepared – practice talks, so you feel comfortable on stage
• Remind yourself what you are doing this for – you already bring the passion, interest to the table
• Think about what others can gain from interactions with you – and also what you can gain. It’s ok to be visible for your career or just because it is fun 🙂

→ If you encounter negative comments or harassment:

• If it’s really bad, use the Wisskon MayDay Button
• Block bad accounts 
• Only engage in positive discussions