10 Reasons Every Scientist Should Join a Conference Committee

10 Reasons Every Scientist Should Join a Conference Committee

Getting involved in organising a science conference might sound like a big commitment, but for many early career researchers, it’s one of the most rewarding experiences of their academic journey. From building connections and developing leadership skills to helping shape the scientific conversations that matter most, there are countless benefits to stepping in and helping to organise your institution’s next big event.

In this article we share insights from researchers who’ve served on organising committees, and offer 10 great reasons why every scientist should get involved in helping to put together a science conference!

 

1. Build valuable connections

Joining a conference committee instantly expands your network beyond your own lab or institution. You’ll meet and work alongside scientists at all career stages, from PhD students to leading experts in their fields. Having the opportunity to make new connections can often lead to new research collaborations and opportunities beyond the event itself.

 

2. Strengthen your science community

Conference committees play a vital role in bringing people together. By helping to organise a science event, you’re supporting open discussion, sharing of ideas, and building a sense of belonging among researchers in your field. Some conferences include outreach events too, so you might have the chance to engage with members of the public and help to increase their understanding of science. Public engagement work can be incredibly valuable for early career scientists, as outlined in this article by Dr Susannah Walker, an event curator for the British Neuroscience Association: The Power of Public Engagement in STEM

 

3. Develop leadership and teamwork skills

From planning sessions to coordinating volunteers, there will be numerous tasks up for grabs in an organising committee, all of which will help develop some valuable skills. You’ll get a unique insight into project management, and you’ll need to work well as part of a motivated team in order to ensure the conference is a success. Developing these skills will be useful to you both inside and outside the lab, and will look fantastic on your CV. If you have aspirations to run your own lab some day, many of these skills will be vital, so take this opportunity to learn as much as you can from the experience.

 

4. Enhance your communication skills

Organising a science event will test your communication skills in numerous ways. You’ll need to communicate effectively with your fellow committee members, and potentially reach out to guest speakers, or contact the media or other press outlets. You might be asked to write promotional materials or contact potential sponsors for funding, all of which can push you outside your comfort zone. Remember that this is a good thing! It’s a great way to build confidence and develop your professional communication skills.

Freya Shepherd, a PhD candidate at Cardiff University, was involved in organising the GW4 Early Career Neuroscientists’ Day in October 2024. In this interview, she told us why the experience was beneficial. She said: “My role is organising and getting people talking about the event at Cardiff. I am very keen on science communication – sharing with people, scientists or not, all the work that we do, however small. An event like this is an outstanding opportunity to speak to scientists at a similar stage, and to share ideas and experiences.”

 

5. Boost your visibility and reputation

Being part of an organising committee shows initiative and commitment. It’s a great way to get noticed by senior researchers, build your professional reputation, and demonstrate your enthusiasm for supporting the scientific community. Use your online platforms and professional networks to shout about what you’re doing. The conference will benefit from the extra promotion and your online contacts will notice your involvement.

 

6. Learn how conferences really work

If you’ve already attended a national or international science conference, you’ll have a good understanding of what an attendee expects from events like these. However, what you might not have seen is the huge amount of organisation that’s required to make a conference run smoothly. Getting involved will give you first-hand experience of some of the hidden aspects of conference planning such as logistics, budgeting, sponsorship, and promotion. As your science career progresses, you may be invited to speak at an event like this some day, so having some inside knowledge of what really goes on behind the scenes is always helpful.

 

7. Shape the scientific conversation

Committee members can be involved in helping to select guest speakers, design session topics, and decide on themes. For an early career scientist this is an empowering way to influence which areas of science are highlighted and to ensure diverse voices are represented. It’s especially important for members of underrepresented groups to be involved in these conversations, and to challenge outdated stereotypes in science. Don’t be afraid to suggest ideas and share your thoughts on possible event content. 

 

8. Broaden your perspective

Working alongside people from different backgrounds and research areas can open your eyes to new research methods, ideas, and ways of thinking. Committee work often brings together scientists from a mix of disciplines, departments, and even career stages who will each have their own experiences and insights to share. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of how your field connects with others, discover new approaches to problem-solving, and perhaps even spark ideas for future collaborations.

 

9. Make a tangible impact

There’s huge satisfaction in watching an event you helped organise come to life and hearing positive feedback from attendees. But beyond the buzz of a successful day, there’s something even more meaningful about creating a space where science is shared, challenged, and celebrated. The posters, talks, and chance conversations you help facilitate could one day lead to breakthroughs in discoveries, treatments, and technologies that could change lives. The impact you have as part of a committee could go far beyond the event logistics, you could be helping to build the foundations for future scientific and medical progress.

Lea Wood, a PhD student at the University of Birmingham, was part of the organising committee for the FIRM Symposium 2024. In this interview she told us why she wanted to help with the event. She said: “I decided to get involved with the committee because I really enjoyed the symposium last year and felt that I gained a lot from it. I was impressed with the environment that the symposium created and wanted to make sure that future attendees would feel the same way.”

 

10. Have fun and celebrate science!

Amid the planning and deadlines, conference organising is also exciting and energising. You’ll make new friends, share laughs, and experience the thrill of seeing months of teamwork come together in one inspiring science event. Enjoy the buzz of new ideas being shared, the pride of showcasing great science, and the sense of community that grows when people come together to celebrate their work. Beyond the scientific talks and posters, it’s these moments of connection, creativity, and collaboration that will remind you why you fell in love with science in the first place.

 

More on science events & conferences from Hello Bio

If you want to read more about organising or attending science conferences, check out some of these other great articles on the Hello Bio blog:

• The Life Scientists’ Guide to Organizing Events & Conferences

• Conference Checklist: 10 Must-Dos at Science Conferences

• Ten Neuroscience Conferences to Attend in 2025

• Ten Cell Biology Conferences to Attend in 2025

• The Life Scientists’ Guide to Presenting at Conferences

• Tips for Oral Presentations at Scientific Meetings and Conferences

• Tips for Poster Presentations at Scientific Meetings and Conferences