Build lasting connections at ISABC social events
The 16th International Symposium on Applied Bioinorganic Chemistry offers more than a programme of lectures, research presentations and technical discussion. Held in Ioannina, Greece, in June 2023 and organised by the University of Ioannina, it creates a setting where scientists can exchange ideas in a relaxed environment and develop professional relationships that continue beyond the meeting.
For Australian delegates, the social programme can be especially valuable after the long journey from cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane or Perth. Informal conversations over coffee, dinner or a walk through Ioannina may help researchers identify collaborators, discover complementary facilities and understand how bioinorganic chemistry is developing across different regions and markets.
Start conversations before the formal programme
A social event is easier to navigate when you arrive with a few clear objectives. An Australian early-career researcher might aim to meet one potential collaborator, one senior scientist working in a related field and one person connected with industry or research translation. These goals are specific enough to guide conversation without making networking feel transactional.
Prepare a concise explanation of your work that can be adapted to different audiences. Rather than leading with a highly specialised title, describe the problem, the metal or biological system involved, and why the research matters. A delegate studying metallodrugs, environmental remediation or biomaterials should be able to explain the project in a few sentences before moving into technical detail.
Use shared interests as natural openings
Poster sessions and associated social gatherings provide easy conversation starters because the research is visible and immediate. Asking how a result was obtained, what limitation the team encountered or where the work might be applied shows genuine interest. It also creates a stronger connection than simply exchanging business cards.
If you are presenting a poster, consider how its design supports discussion. The symposium’s poster prize guidance can help presenters think about clarity, scientific focus and the reviewer’s perspective. A well-structured poster gives visitors several entry points, whether they are interested in methodology, clinical relevance or possible collaboration.
Make the most of receptions and shared meals
Welcome functions, conference receptions and group dinners are useful because they remove some of the formality associated with a lecture room. Sitting beside someone you have not met, introducing yourself to a speaker after a session or joining a small group near the refreshments can lead to productive exchanges. The best conversations usually begin with the programme rather than with a direct request.
Greek hospitality also makes food and conversation central to social interaction. Ioannina is known for the character of Epirus, its lakeside setting and regional dishes, so a meal can become a memorable part of the conference experience. Australian attendees may notice a slower pace around shared dining compared with a quick networking lunch in Sydney or Melbourne. Allowing time for conversation is part of participating well.
| Social setting | Useful networking approach | Follow-up opportunity |
|---|---|---|
| Welcome reception | Introduce yourself through a shared session or research theme | Send a short message referring to the discussion |
| Poster gathering | Ask about a method, result or possible application | Request the poster or a relevant paper |
| Group dinner | Sit with researchers from another institution or discipline | Suggest a future online meeting |
| Informal city outing | Discuss the local setting and common scientific interests | Connect on a professional network |
| Coffee break | Revisit a speaker or poster presenter | Exchange contact details before the next session |
Connect Australian priorities with international research
Australian researchers often work across large geographic distances and rely on national facilities, university consortia and cross-institutional grants. A symposium in Europe can therefore open access to laboratories, techniques and specialist knowledge that may be difficult to find within one local network. Conversations about analytical platforms, clinical partnerships or commercial pathways can be particularly useful for researchers planning international projects.
The Australian market also has distinctive priorities, including mining-related environmental chemistry, water security, agricultural innovation and health technologies. These themes can provide practical points of connection with researchers working on metal recovery, sensing, catalysis or therapeutic compounds. A discussion that starts with a local challenge in Western Australia, Queensland or regional New South Wales may reveal a broader scientific application.
Include students and emerging researchers
Networking should not be limited to established academics. Students, postdoctoral researchers and first-time international delegates often bring fresh technical knowledge and may become future collaborators. Young scientist travel awards, scholarships and poster prizes associated with the symposium can also create useful points of contact among researchers at a similar career stage.
When meeting an emerging researcher, ask about their current project, the training they are seeking and the direction they hope to take next. Australian supervisors can use these conversations to identify potential visiting-researcher opportunities, while students can learn how different laboratories support career development. A respectful exchange is more valuable than trying to promote an institution too quickly.
Turn brief meetings into durable relationships
A contact becomes meaningful when there is a clear reason to continue the conversation. Within a few days of the symposium, send a concise email mentioning where you met and referring to a specific topic. You might share a relevant paper, suggest comparing methods or propose a short online meeting involving colleagues from both groups.
It is also useful to keep practical details in mind. Australian delegates returning across multiple time zones may need to schedule follow-up calls around AEST, AEDT or European working hours. A short message first, followed by a planned video meeting, is often more effective than a vague promise to stay in touch. Record the context of each connection while the event is still fresh.
The official symposium secretariat, Zita Congress & Event Management, can assist with registration, accommodation and abstract-related matters, allowing participants to focus more fully on scientific and social engagement. Before travelling, review the participation information, plan how you will move between accommodation and venues, and allow time to enjoy Ioannina beyond the conference rooms.
Bring curiosity, a clear explanation of your research and a willingness to join conversations beyond your immediate field. Register through the official symposium channels, prepare a few thoughtful discussion points and use each social gathering as an opportunity to build relationships that can support Australian research partnerships well after the event.