LinkedIn for researchers workshop boosts leadership visibility and voice
Love it or hate it, LinkedIn is part of the science communication toolkit.
For scientific leaders, it’s a place to share research and perspectives. And, importantly, build community. But many researchers don’t really know where to start. And, let's be honest, it takes some work to get over the self-promotion “ick” that can come with using social media.
In January 2026, I joined the Sub-Saharan African Network for TB/HIV Research Excellence (SANTHE) Scientific Leadership Programme in Johannesburg to run my LinkedIn for Researchers workshop.
We looked at how to use LinkedIn to cultivate an authentic leadership voice, optimising profiles for impact, and, of course, writing hooks that go beyond “I’m excited to announce!”
Brendon Bosworth facilitated the LinkedIn for Researchers workshop as part of the SANTHE scientific leadership programme. Credit: Kim Darley Waddilove.
As someone whose career has benefited from LinkedIn in unexpected ways, I’m always pleased to work with researchers on their LinkedIn strategies. I've seen firsthand how what happens on LinkedIn can translate to offline impact. A comment today could lead to a conference appearance down the line. It did for me.
I believe there’s a way to communicate on LinkedIn that’s less about self-promotion and more about building community and communicating science effectively.
I want to acknowledge Victoria Kasprowicz, SANTHE's director of strategic partnerships, for bringing me on board. It’s rare for leaders in research institutions to recognise the value of science communication and invest in it in this way.
Big thanks to the researchers, hailing from Botswana, Cameroon, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, who took part. We had honest and engaging conversations.
I’ve already seen some polished-up LinkedIn profiles and have expanded my knowledge of HIV/AIDS and TB research in Africa.
Thanks also to Kim Waddilove, Akhona Mnguni, and Bongumenzi Simelane for making sure the session ran smoothly.
Want to boost your visibility as a researcher on LinkedIn? Check out our LinkedIn for Researchers workshop.
Brendon Bosworth is a communications specialist and science communication trainer. He is the principal consultant at Human Element Communications.
