On 16 October 2026, COST Action CA22124 – ECO4ALL successfully held its 3rd PhD Student Workshop, entitled “Great Research Isn’t Enough: How Early-Career Researchers Can Build Visibility and Create Opportunities.” The online event attracted over 70 unique participants, reflecting the continued interest of the international research community in professional development, scientific networking and career opportunities for young researchers.
The workshop addressed an increasingly important challenge in academic life: producing high-quality research is essential, but scientific excellence alone does not always guarantee visibility, recognition or career advancement. Researchers must also develop the skills needed to communicate their findings, establish professional relationships and identify opportunities for international collaboration.
The event opened with remarks by Prof. Olesea Plotnic, Chair of COST Action CA22124 ECO4ALL, who highlighted the importance of supporting Young Researchers and Innovators (YRIs) beyond their participation in scientific events. She emphasised that international research networks should create opportunities for young researchers to present their work, develop professional connections and become active contributors to scientific collaboration.
The scientific programme featured Vijay Lakshmi Burman from the University of Eastern Finland (Finland) and João Gabriel Bessa from the Universidad de Jaén (Spain), who addressed practical dimensions of academic visibility, networking and the creation of new research opportunities.
Moderated by Tarlan Ahmadov, ECO4ALL Young Research Mentor (Germany), the workshop focused on four interconnected themes: building scientific visibility, developing meaningful professional relationships, creating opportunities for research collaboration and career development, and recognising common challenges and mistakes encountered by early-career researchers.
The event underlined that academic visibility is not simply about self-promotion. Rather, it involves communicating the value of scientific work, engaging with relevant research communities and building professional relationships that can lead to joint publications, international mobility, collaborative projects and new research initiatives.
The 3rd PhD Student Workshop forms part of ECO4ALL’s broader commitment to strengthening the involvement and professional development of Young Researchers and Innovators.
Through workshops, Training Schools, webinars, scientific conferences and mobility opportunities, the Action seeks to create an inclusive international research environment in which young researchers can develop their expertise, gain visibility and contribute actively to scientific cooperation.
The participation of over 70 individuals in this online workshop further demonstrates the value of digital activities in connecting researchers across institutions and countries, complementing ECO4ALL’s in-person scientific events.
The workshop concluded by reinforcing a central message:
“Good research creates knowledge. Visibility helps that knowledge reach people. Collaboration creates opportunities to turn knowledge into impact.”
ECO4ALL sincerely thanks all speakers, the moderator and participants for their contributions and looks forward to continuing its activities dedicated to supporting the next generation of researchers.
