How can networking help you in R&D?

Typically R& D guys take a back seat in networking. An astute R& D Professional with excellent Networking will be a win - win preposition. Net working not only helps R& D Professional to stay afloat, but also expands his horizon

If you want to succeed in R&D, networking is a must. It can help you in many ways. Some important ways it can be helpful are: 1)By broadening your perspective- Networking keeps you up to date on the most recent trends, breakthroughs, and issues in your industry. Connecting with people from various businesses and industries can allow you to be aware of developing innovations, market shifts, and competitor advancements, allowing you to adapt and remain competitive. 2)Finding collaborators and partners 3)Mentorship and guidance 4)Aside from these, networking can also:-Enhance your communication and interpersonal skills, Establish credibility and trust within the R&D community, and Enhance the feeling of inclusion and assistance.

I agree Chris! It is so important to upskill your employees! If their knowledge is good they will be an asset to the company and you will profit! If you don’t they will leave and go to another company that will upskill them and pass you in business!

Networking in Pharma R&D opens doors to diverse perspectives, insights, and opportunities. Attend conferences, seminars, and industry events to connect with professionals from various disciplines. Engaging with individuals outside your immediate field broadens your understanding of the industry and fosters collaboration. Example: At a pharmaceutical conference, I met researchers specializing in a different therapeutic area. Our discussions led to a cross-disciplinary collaboration, enriching my knowledge and contributing to a more holistic approach in my own research.

Too often I see companies who exclude their R&D or technical team from net working opportunities in favor of involving procurement. Albeit a fact that pricing is an important point of discussion, never miss the opportunity to allow your R&D or technical teams from networking events, as this can often lead to innovation in your business, that will save you more money than a price negotiation.

Building a network in Pharma R&D provides access to valuable resources and support systems. Fellow researchers, industry experts, and even peers can offer advice, share protocols, and provide assistance during challenging research phases. Personal Experience: When facing a complex analytical challenge in my R&D project, I reached out to a connection I made at a workshop. Their expertise in analytical techniques not only helped resolve the issue but also introduced me to a more efficient methodology.

En I+D es muy importante encontrar socios para los programas de financiación nacional o internacional. Tener una buena red es esencial para encontrar socios adecuados para andar un camino que normalmente es largo, pues son programas plurianuales.

Getting access to resources comes in many forms. Going to conferences, discussing with colleagues and talking with vendors really helps with troubleshooting problems that can come up in your research. Sometimes a software is not available yet from a vendor. Doesn't mean that it can't be deployed in your facility, it may mean that it is not ready to be released. With your network you can ask who may be able to help you with your research problem. Most likely your vendor connections are aware of a problem and you can easily contact them for that resource. Even a beta version of a software or an add in can help you get the results you need. It's always better to ask. The worst thing they can say is "no, we don't have anything but its coming."

Networking if it is combined with open collaboration can be beneficial especially in research! By exchange of ideas and results researchers can work together to solve or uncover their investigational aims in a more efficient way! Furthermore, collaboration and networking can offer better capacities for analysis since every lab has something to offer and many labs working together can create better conditions to unravel tough questions in our efforts to understand nature in a more complete way.

In my experience, networking is a cruical element of success in R&D, as when you exchange ideas with expertise they clearly direct you in the ways that could be beneficial for your career. For example, I am in continous contact with my retired professor who introduced me to various expertise in the field with whom I had a couple of meetings and that really helped me choosing a good topic for my master thesis. In conclusion, we live in a world where networking could be a high way to your success.

Networking serves as a collective problem-solving platform. Sharing your challenges with peers or mentors can yield innovative solutions. Similarly, contributing your insights to others in your network creates a collaborative environment where everyone benefits. Example: During a networking event, I discussed a recurring issue with sample contamination in our lab. A fellow researcher shared a best practice they had implemented successfully, significantly reducing contamination incidents in our own experiments.

The origin of creativity is connecting two actions, components or ideas in a new way. By networking we expose ourselves to new ideas and concepts and interact with people who have a different set of experiences or tools in their bag. These conversations can often lead to solutions to current challenges or connections that assist in the future. I know a person that can help with that, is a result of a strong network.

Indeed, a healthy collaboration certainly brings productivity. If taking it even further, a cross pollination between industries can make it more interesting where ideas from a completely different field can be applied to yours. I have found opportunities where in discussions with automobile experts, specifically the quality techniques could very well be established and used in MedTech field.

Engaging with professionals in your field helps you stay updated on the latest advancements and methodologies. Learning from the experiences of others can enhance your skills and competencies, making you a more effective researcher. Personal Experience: Through networking, I discovered a workshop led by a renowned expert in a cutting-edge research technique. Attending the workshop not only expanded my skill set but also opened up new avenues for incorporating innovative approaches into my projects.

Networking is a strategic tool for career advancement in Pharma R&D. Establishing connections with key influencers, mentors, and industry leaders can lead to career opportunities, collaborations, and even research funding. Your network becomes a crucial support system as you navigate your career path. Example: By networking with leaders in my field, I was introduced to a mentor who provided guidance on career progression. This connection eventually led to an invitation to collaborate on a high-impact research project, significantly advancing my career goals.

I find the above suggestions very insightful. Networking is a strategic action which will add value to your R&D career. R&D has taught us there is no "out of the box", actually there is no box in improvement and development. Its a never ending procedure. Networking plays a vital role to generate ideas. Every person has different perspective and thinks differently in problem solving. R&D works to assess suitability of various possible ways. Through number of trials and test R&D finds a most suitable one. Networking helps to share knowledge among the R&D scientists and tends to less trial run & less wastage of resources. Maintaining same interest groups, allocating one to one time, sharing skills and expertise can help meaningful networking.

a. Attend Industry Events: Actively participate in conferences, symposiums, and workshops relevant to your research interests. b. Online Platforms: Utilize professional platforms like LinkedIn to connect with peers, join industry groups, and engage in discussions. c. Collaborative Projects: Seek opportunities for collaborative research projects to expand your network and contribute to shared goals. d. Mentorship Programs: Join or initiate mentorship programs to connect with experienced professionals who can guide your career. e. Be Genuine and Curious: Approach networking with a genuine interest in others' work. Ask questions, listen actively, and share your experiences.

Networking should be a crucial part of your R&D career. As per the index, the percentage of lab-scale research turning into viable business solutions is minimal. Researchers should adopt a holistic approach to developing solutions that address industry problems. They should attend industry conferences as much as academic ones. While exploratory studies are needed for a better future, applied science is necessary to solve current world problems.

Expanding your network will in the long run be valuable both for you, the company you work for, and your network. But never forget what company secrets (within R&D or strategy) that you shall never talk about outside your company.