How to! Build an International Network with a Research Exchange
Planning a research exchange can be challenging, especially when you have three children and a clinical role that requires your physical presence with patients – but it is possible.
Malene Roland Pedersen is an associate professor and research leader at the Department of Regional Health Research. She has participated in exchange programmes twice.
"I’ve been on two international exchanges with an Erasmus+ grant. The first time was in Ireland, and the second time in Malta. I am very clear about what I want to achieve with my exchanges," explains Malene Roland Pedersen, who has a background in radiography.
"This is why I strategically chose University College Cork and the University of Malta. Both institutions are renowned for their research in radiography and have significant experience with EU applications."
Create More of What You Want
The international exchanges have given Malene Roland Pedersen the opportunity to experience a change of environment, which is crucial when working on funding applications.
Change of Environment
International mobility and experience are essential components of a research career.
- Career Advancement: Many leading research institutions and funding bodies highly value international experience, as it demonstrates a researcher’s ability to adapt and succeed in diverse environments. It also enhances their competitiveness for global grants, fellowships, and positions.
- Expanding Research Perspectives: Experiencing different academic cultures, methods, and schools of thought can greatly broaden a researcher’s perspective. Collaborating with international experts can introduce new ways of thinking, innovative approaches, and techniques that may not be widespread in their home country.
- Building a Global Network: Participating in international collaborations helps researchers develop a global network of colleagues, mentors, and potential collaborators. These relationships can lead to co-authorships, joint projects, and future funding opportunities, strengthening a researcher’s profile and broadening the impact of their work.
"I focus on strengthening my international research profile. Not only to increase my chances of securing funding but also because I aim to join the board of the European Federation of Radiographer Societies, where I am already a member of the Educational Management Board. I can’t go abroad for six months, but I can manage a week at a time," Malene Roland Pedersen explains.
“I need to actively create more of what I want – in this case, an international network. Over 40% of my articles are co-authored with international researchers, but I also need to document my experience in different research environments."
The Value of Being There in Person
Travelling outside of peak seasons can be a bit tricky, but it’s worth it as it allows for more focus and energy by avoiding the holiday and exam periods.
"I spent a week in Malta in May 2024, as the University of Malta offers a Master’s degree in Radiography and has a high research profile within the EU. They also have extensive experience with EU applications, and I was fortunate to be there when a new EU call was announced. We discussed it, and I was invited to join as a co-applicant in a proposal that was submitted in late September," Malene Roland Pedersen explains.
"Showing up in person makes a difference and helps build your network. It’s incredibly valuable to invest your time in others. This is my third EU application, and I’ve gained a lot of good experience. I hope the third time’s the charm."
Malene also highlights the great support she’s received from SUND Research Support at SDU, which has been instrumental in all three EU applications and has provided valuable career advice
SUND Research Support
SUND Research Support provides assistance to researchers, from the initial project idea to the final submission. They support both employees and researchers at the University of Southern Denmark and the Region of Southern Denmark.
In addition to professional opportunities like an adjunct associate professorship at University College Cork and collaboration on an EU application, Malene also brings back leadership experience.
"Radiographers in Ireland and Malta have a higher level of education, as they have Master’s programmes specifically for radiographers, which often gives them an edge in securing funding. But I also learn a lot from being part of their daily routines; I observe how they manage research leadership, structure their teaching, and handle challenges that we sometimes face as well."
The Benefits of Shorter Stays
"When the stay is relatively short, and it’s not a clinical programme, it involves less paperwork, for example, for visas." But time is valuable. You get a big return on investment by showing that you’re willing to spend time with international colleagues," Malene Roland Pedersen explains.
The Erasmus+ grant may not be large, but as Malene Roland Pedersen points out, it’s a good place to start – and you can always cover a few extra nights yourself if needed.
Tips from Malene Roland Pedersen:
- Be clear about what you want and take the time to work out how to achieve your goals.
- Offer your help, and make it clear what you can contribute.
- Don’t hesitate to speak up about what you're looking for. I wanted to be part of an EU application, and because I had the confidence to say so, it felt natural for them to involve me when the opportunity came up.
- Find people who can help your career – those who are both willing and able to invest their time in you.
Meet the researcher
Malene Roland Pedersen is an associate professor and research leader at the Radiological Research Unit in Vejle and the Department of Regional Health Research. She is a qualified radiographer with a Master’s degree in Public Health and a PhD. Malene has always known she wanted to pursue a career in research. She finds it rewarding to make a difference for patients and enjoys both teaching and supervising. Malene’s primary research focus is cancer imaging diagnostics. She is currently studying for a Master’s in leadership and is involved in the EU project JAPreventNCP.
Erasmus Staff Mobility
Erasmus+ Staff Mobility is part of the Erasmus+ exchange programme within Europe.