Building an international research portfolio

Zoe began building an international research strategy when she commenced her PhD.

“Within the first three months, I went overseas and collected field data across Europe and Australia to compare native and introduced species across different zones,” Zoe explained. “That's where my international research journey started, and it propelled me to accelerate on that global pathway ever since.”

Having spent a lot of time overseas conducting research, Zoe has collaborations with many different researchers and universities.

“I’ve also attended many different international conferences, which is a great stepping stone for anyone who wants to start building their international portfolio but doesn't really know where to start,” she said. 

Instead of cold emailing or cold calling someone that you might want to work with, Zoe recommends connecting with someone in the same research space as you at a conference.

I’ve also attended many different international conferences, which is a great stepping stone for anyone who wants to start building their international portfolio but doesn't really know where to start.

“Definitely try and get yourself there to those international conferences and into the same rooms as them. You’ll have a better chance of collaboration after a face-to-face conversation,” she said. 

Establishing long term relationships 

Zoe’s first international conference was in Switzerland. There she met researchers with similar interests from Germany, Switzerland, the USA and India.

“When we all realized that we work in global change biology and plant-animal interactions, we were like, "Hey, why don't we apply for this German funding that brings us all together, and we can write a paper together?” and so that's what we did.”

Every year since 2024, that group have met in Germany to work on papers together. 

Zoe has engaged in other global scale collaborations for joint papers and conducting field work.

“I always try to seek out local knowledge when I travel for field trips,” Zoe said, adding that it is a good idea to email local researchers and invite them to meet up.

“Inviting people for coffee is another great way to get to know people in other countries. Meeting locals also gives you a more nuanced approach to whatever question you're asking, especially if you're going somewhere that you don't really know much about.”

While it’s easy to meet when you are working with people overseas, Zoe said it pays to follow up with regular contact.

“It’s really about showing that initiative and interest to continue a relationship. If you make the effort, international contacts will be more likely to think of you when something comes up,” she advised.

Zoe warned against staying within an Australian bubble when it comes to the scope of your research.

“You might think what's important to you in Australia is what everyone cares about around the world. You’d be surprised how often that might not be the case. When you think globally, you make an effort to always find out what priorities matter elsewhere. Then you can consider how to align with those global priorities.”

It’s really about showing that initiative and interest to continue a relationship. If you make the effort, international contacts will be more likely to think of you when something comes up.

Zoe’s top tips for international collaboration

• Attend conferences, make connections and follow up with the people you meet.
• Look out for callouts for global collaborative studies. 
• Scan Blue Sky and Twitter for opportunities to participate in research collaborations.
• Always look for local knowledge.
• Think globally, not just about your Australian context.

What’s next?

• Learn about Zoe’s research.
• Discover our feature series on Building an International Research Strategy.