Last updated on Feb 28, 2024

How can you use professional communities to stay up-to-date on analytical techniques?

Analytical techniques are essential tools for materials science, especially for nanotechnology applications. However, keeping up with the latest developments and best practices can be challenging, as new methods and instruments emerge constantly. How can you use professional communities to stay up-to-date on analytical techniques? Here are some tips to help you leverage the power of networking and learning from your peers.

1 Join online forums and groups

One of the easiest ways to connect with other materials scientists and nanotechnologists is to join online forums and groups that focus on analytical techniques. These platforms allow you to ask questions, share insights, and learn from experts and practitioners in your field. You can find forums and groups on various websites, such as ResearchGate, LinkedIn, Quora, Reddit, and Stack Exchange. Look for topics that interest you, such as scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, or atomic force microscopy, and join the discussions.

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Krishna Sampathkumar

STEM Researcher
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Following some journals such as Nature Methods (from Nature publisher), Nanoscience Methods (frontier publisher) will update the Analytical techniques. Meanwhile, watch US patent updates on Google Scholar, which often has new analytical methods and innovations.

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2 Attend webinars and workshops

Another way to stay up-to-date on analytical techniques is to attend webinars and workshops that offer training and education on specific methods and instruments. These events can help you improve your skills, learn new tips and tricks, and discover new applications and innovations. You can find webinars and workshops on various platforms, such as Coursera, edX, Udemy, YouTube, and the websites of professional associations and equipment manufacturers. Look for events that suit your level, goals, and schedule, and register in advance.

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3 Subscribe to newsletters and journals

A third way to stay up-to-date on analytical techniques is to subscribe to newsletters and journals that publish news, reviews, and research on materials science and nanotechnology. These sources can help you keep track of the latest trends, developments, and challenges in your field. You can find newsletters and journals on various platforms, such as Google Scholar, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and the websites of professional associations and publishers. Look for sources that cover your area of interest, such as materials characterization, nanomaterials synthesis, or nanodevices fabrication, and subscribe to receive updates.

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4 Participate in conferences and symposia

A fourth way to stay up-to-date on analytical techniques is to participate in conferences and symposia that bring together researchers and professionals from materials science and nanotechnology. These events can help you network with your peers, present your work, and learn from the leaders and pioneers in your field. You can find conferences and symposia on various platforms, such as Eventbrite, Meetup, Conferize, and the websites of professional associations and universities. Look for events that match your interests, such as nanoscale imaging, nanomechanics, or nanoelectronics, and register or submit your abstract.

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5 Join professional associations and societies

A fifth way to stay up-to-date on analytical techniques is to join professional associations and societies that represent and support materials science and nanotechnology. These organizations can help you access resources, opportunities, and benefits that can enhance your career and professional development. You can find professional associations and societies on various platforms, such as Google, Wikipedia, WorldCat, and the websites of the organizations themselves. Look for organizations that align with your values, vision, and mission, such as the Materials Research Society, the American Chemical Society, or the International Association of Nanotechnology, and apply for membership.

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Sri Abbina

SME in different drug delivery approaches including lipid nanoparticles, polymers, polymer-lipid hybrids, and conjugates for mRNA vaccines/therapeutics, gene editing, and cell therapy applications
(edited)
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Attending conferences would be useful. However, regularly going through the latest research articles in the respective fields is more impactful in my case.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can you use professional communities to stay up-to-date on analytical techniques?

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1 Join online forums and groups

2 Attend webinars and workshops

3 Subscribe to newsletters and journals

4 Participate in conferences and symposia

5 Join professional associations and societies

6 Here’s what else to consider

Materials Science

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