Getting started with ResearchGate
If you’ve joined ResearchGate and are wondering how to get started, then this is the page for you.
What is ResearchGate?
ResearchGate is the professional network for scientists and researchers. We help researchers connect and make it easy for them to share and access scientific output, knowledge, and expertise.
How is it useful?
ResearchGate connects you with content and researchers that you’ll find valuable to your own work.
Adding your research to your profile is the first step, and we then make it discoverable to other researchers in your field. You’ll find relevant publications and data that other researchers have shared easily accessible from your publication feed. And if you have research-related questions, you can ask them in Q&A and get them answered by a unique community of experts, as well as sharing your own knowledge and expertise.
How to get started
Getting started with ResearchGate is easy – here’s a quick overview of what to do first:
The first step is to customize your profile and add your publications and research to it. Profiles with a photo receive an average of 150% more views, so it’s a good idea to add your photo from day one. Next, add your skills and expertise so that other researchers and potential collaborators can easily find out what your work is about. On top of this, adding your institution and department will help us connect you with people you know on ResearchGate, as will importing contacts from your email address book.
Once you’ve set up your profile, go to your Related researchers page to find people to follow.
Your publication feed (click on Publications at the top of any page) is where you can discover the latest publications and data from other researchers. Use the filters on the right-hand side of the page to start browsing based on what’s new, your network, or your field of research.
Q&A (click on Q&A at the top of any page) is where you can ask research-related questions and get them answered by specialists. If you haven’t got a question right now, try answering some – it’s a great way to start sharing your knowledge, connect with others, and identify yourself as an expert in your field. And again, use the filters on the right-hand side to navigate.
For more information on getting started, take a look at the sections on the left-hand side to find out how to sign up and how to best build your network on ResearchGate.
Most frequently asked questions