Is it:
a) the free trip somewhere gorgeous,
b) the boozy, foodie evenings and social events,
c) meeting other people in your field and networking,
d) seeing the latest and greatest advances in your field, or
e) getting feedback on your own work?
Maybe your conference experience encompasses only a couple of these, but let's be honest here - usually it's all of the above. At least in science.
So why am I telling you this? Because I want to sell you on the idea that conferences are really good for your career in science, and also because some of our koala crew just came back from one.
But, you say, I'm only an undergrad! Or, I'm not ready to present anything! Or, I don't have the money for this! Well, that's all fine ... no one has to go to a conference. But let me tell you a little secret about science - it's not just what you know, but it's how much you publicise it. And the way scientists publicise their work is through journals, the media, and conferences. And really cool blogs, of course.
How it works
The way a scientific conference works is that people register to give a talk or a poster that highlights some of their coolest and/or most recent research. There are lots of social events, where you can chat in a more relaxed environment with people. And you're likely to meet people who do research just outside your comfort zone - which, if you're interested in improving on what you do, is a GREAT thing. Conferences are a great way to see outside the box.
Feeling Nervous?
If you're nervous about the idea of giving a talk - start with a poster! I've actually found poster presentations are a great way to get feedback on your research, because people are typically wandering around with a glass of wine in their hand and feeling social and talkative. You never know when you might meet the editor of Journal X, or at least someone who's likely to review one of your papers or grant proposals. Plus, when you get home you can put your poster up on the wall outside your office, and show off to all your workmates. (Or not.)
Feeling Broke?
Many conferences have discounts or scholarships available to students or early-career researchers or people willing to help out a bit with the running of the conference. Check into it. And if you do end up paying out of your own pocket, then consider it an investment in your career. Make the most of it! I once paid for myself to attend a Conservation Biology conference, and ended up working at a penguin colony as a result ... it never would've happened if I'd stayed home.
Feeling Unprepared?
If you're feeling like your research is still at early stages - why not put together a poster to get feedback on your ideas? Be creative - present what you're thinking of doing in a novel way. Encourage interaction with those people wandering around. Get them to talk to you! Talking about your ideas is one of the best things you can do for your career - it opens you up to other options, and it allows people to get to know you before you get famous.
And what does any of this have to do with koalas? Well, Bill and Sean and a couple of others from the lab have recently returned from a great conference over in Perth, Western Australia. It was the International Behavioural Ecology Congress, which focuses on ... behavioural ecology. Or, the science of an organism's behaviour in the context of its environment.
Bill and Sean presented recent work on tracking of koalas - which I'll highlight a bit more in another post. It seems I've been feeling a little wordy today on the topic of conferences.
Before I'm back to tell you about tracking, you have some work to do: find some conferences in your field and start making plans. Maybe we'll see you there!
Written by Amanda Niehaus, PhD, on behalf of the Koala Ecology Group
