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10 months ago in Scientific Networking By Natasha

Is it appropriate to connect with senior scientists on LinkedIn, or is it seen as too informal for academia?

I use LinkedIn to connect with peers, but I'm hesitant to send connection requests to full professors or renowned researchers I've only met briefly. Is LinkedIn considered a legitimate professional platform in academia, like it is in industry, or is it frowned upon? What should a good connection request say?

All Answers (2 Answers In All)

By Angel Answered 9 months ago

LinkedIn is increasingly accepted and used in academia, especially for broader professional visibility beyond one's immediate field. Connecting with senior scientists is appropriate if you have a legitimate reason. A good connection request is not the default "I'd like to join your network." Always personalize it. After meeting someone briefly at a conference: "Dear Prof. [Name], it was a pleasure hearing your talk on [Topic] at [Conference]. I enjoyed our brief conversation about [Specific Point]. I would be honored to connect with you here on LinkedIn." If you haven't met but cite their work, you can write: "Dear Prof. [Name], I have long admired your work on [Specific Area], particularly your paper on [Paper Title]. I am a PhD student/postdoc working on [Your Topic] and would be grateful to connect." This shows professional intent. Many senior scientists use LinkedIn to track former trainees and industry trends, so a thoughtful request is usually welcome.

Replied 9 months ago

By Natasha

Thanks a lot Angel. this advice makes it feel much less awkward.

By Nusrat khan Answered 9 months ago

Think of LinkedIn as a professional supplement to traditional academic networking. If you’ve interacted with someone or genuinely follow their work, it’s fine to reach out. Avoid generic requests; instead, briefly mention your connection or admiration for their research.

In my experience, a well-crafted message is rarely seen as informal—it actually signals initiative and professionalism.

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