Networking behaviour as defined by Forret and Dougherty is “individuals’ attempts to develop and maintain relationships with others who have the potential to assist them in their work or career”.

In the green transition field, effective networking goes beyond simply connecting with people online. It's about cultivating genuine relationships with professionals who share your passion for sustainability. This network can be a powerful resource for your green career journey.

Here‘s an example. Imagine you're working on a project to develop a new, sustainable material for packaging. Through networking, you might connect with a researcher at a different university who has expertise in life-cycle assessments. This connection could lead to a collaboration, allowing you to assess the environmental impact of your new material and ensure its true sustainability.

The emphasis on networking skills is growing in STEM academia for a few key reasons. Firstly, securing research grants often relies on effective communication and collaboration skills. STEM professionals need to not only demonstrate strong research ideas but also convince reviewers of their ability to lead a team and collaborate effectively with colleagues across institutions. Secondly, many modern research questions require expertise from multiple disciplines. STEM professionals with strong communication and teamwork skills can bridge these divides and foster productive collaborations that lead to groundbreaking research. Thirdly, research impact goes beyond publications. STEM professionals with strong communication skills can effectively explain complex research to the public, policymakers, and potential funders, leading to a wider impact for their work. You, as STEM education professional, play a crucial role in shaping future generations of scientists. By integrating soft skills development into your teaching, you can equip students with the communication, leadership, and collaboration skills needed to thrive in the modern academic landscape. Developing networking skills allows STEM education professionals to not only excel in their own research careers but also attract research partners to engage in multifaceted scientific rigour.

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One of the ways to improve communication soft skills in students, could be conference attendance, where the researchers can both present their research insights and have a fruitful scientific discussion and increase their public speaking ability. Nonetheless, the researcher receives the venue for self-presentation. Researchers are accepted into conferences for oral or poster presentations because of their scientific contribution. However, when it comes to the actual conference, the conference organisers and participants will expect the research to perform well as an orator – make their research interesting and engaging when presenting it the panel discussion. Therefore, these couple of points are something to consider while preparing to present your research in a scientific conference.

As the preparation is the key, consider these points for your presentation: Develop a concise and impactful elevator pitch outlining your research area and expertise; Practice your pitch beforehand for smooth delivery; Prepare business cards with your contact information and research interests.

Don’t look down on the impact of first impression. To make a positive first impression: Dress professionally and appropriately for the conference setting; Maintain confident body language (eye contact, posture); Actively listen and engage in conversations with colleagues; Ask insightful questions and offer genuine compliments.

The United Nations Climate Change Conferences, also known as COP meetings, like World Climate Action Summit, are annual events where member countries of the UNFCCC convene to discuss climate change. These global forums bring together governments, scientists, businesses, and NGOs to assess progress on climate action, negotiate international agreements, and share knowledge on solutions for mitigating climate change and adapting to its impacts.

The World Circular Economy Forum is a major annual event dedicated to showcasing the best solutions for achieving a circular economy. It brings together leaders from businesses, governments, and the academic world, going into and beyond green transition. The forum focuses on how to transition from a traditional "take-make-dispose" model to a circular system where resources are kept in use for as long as possible, minimizing waste and environmental impact.

While the International Sustainability Transitions conferences hold a broader focus on sustainability as a whole, green transition experts can still find valuable opportunities for engagement.