LinkedIn for researchers workshops for SANTHE
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 and February 2026, Brendon Bosworth faciliated a series of LinkedIn for Researchers workshops for the Sub-Saharan African Network for TB/HIV Research Excellence (SANTHE).
The workshops equipped researchers to optimise their LinkedIn profiles for impact, write engaging posts, build community online, and develop a personal LinkedIn strategy.
Human Element Communications designs these workshops to give researchers hands-on experience. Participants updated their LinkedIn profiles, drafted posts, and developed their LinkedIn strategies to align with their goals for research impact and online visibility.
In-person LinkedIn for Researchers workshop
The first workshop was held in person in Johannesburg, with 15 researchers from Botswana, Cameroon, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe who are part of the SANTHE Scientific Leadership Programme.
Read more about the in-person workshop.
Brendon Bosworth, principal consultant at Human Element Communications, facilitating the LinkedIn for Researchers workshop in Johannesburg for the SANTHE Scientific Leadership Programme. Credit: Kim Waddilove.
Online LinkedIn for Researchers workshop
The second workshop took place online in February. Thirty researchers, many of them early career, who are part of the James Gita Hakim Scholars Programme joined for the interactive sessions, held over two days (two hours each day).
Participants benefited from the examples and practical exercises and left feeling more confident about their approach to LinkedIn.
“This workshop completely changed how I approach LinkedIn as a researcher. I now have much more clarity and confidence in presenting my profile, communicating my research impact, and writing posts that are both engaging and meaningful.
It helped me move from simply sharing information to telling a compelling story about my work and its real-world relevance. What made this workshop stand out was how practical, structured, and tailored it was to my needs. I would strongly recommend it to any researcher who wants to build a credible and influential professional presence on LinkedIn.”
